Metternich a šlesvicko-holštýnská otázka

The aim of this study is to analyze the development of the Schleswig-Holstein question, especially during the 1840s, and to outline Austrian Chancellor Metternich’s attitude on the issue. Metternich began to pay attention to the Schleswig-Holstein question after July 8, 1846 when Danish King Christian VIII issued the so-called Open Letter, after which Metternich was called on to express his stance. He was kept well-informed on the issue by the Austrian Ambassador to Copenhagen. Also, in the case of the Schleswig- -Holstein question, he continued in his policy of appeasement and suppressed all revolution attempts and national aspirations, especially among the Germans. Metternich was convinced that in this problematic situation, in which dynastic, national, political, and even revolutionary interests played their own individual roles – not to mention the legal interests of individual states and of the German Confederation – it would be possible to reach a satisfactory solution only if the powers involved – mainly Austria and Prussia – came to an agreement on common principles and aims