How did Prussian and Austrian forces gain control of Jutland?

Prussian and Austrian forces gained control of Jutland during the German-Danish War by leveraging superior military strength and outmaneuvering Danish defensive strategies.

Following the invasion of Schleswig in February 1864, Danish forces initially attempted a frontal defense at the Danewirk. However, they were forced to abandon these fortifications after Prussian troops threatened to turn their flank. Throughout the campaign, the Danish defenders were consistently outnumbered and outgunned, particularly regarding artillery, leading to significant losses such as the fall of the Dybbøl stronghold.1

After the failure of the London Conference to reach a diplomatic settlement, a final period of intense fighting between late June and July 1864 resulted in the Austro-Prussian forces occupying the entirety of Jutland. This military success allowed Bismarck to remove the conflict from international discussion, ultimately forcing Denmark to cede the duchies under the Treaty of Vienna on October 30, 1864.1