Why were Danish forces at a disadvantage during the land campaign?

During the land campaign of the Second Schleswig War, Danish forces were at a significant disadvantage because they were consistently outnumbered and outgunned by the joint Austro-Prussian army.1

This disparity was particularly evident in the following ways:

• Artillery Superiority: The Austro-Prussian forces held a clear advantage in artillery, which allowed them to dominate the battlefield at virtually every turn.1
• Strategic Vulnerability: Danish strategy relied heavily on a frontal defense at the Danewirk, a historic line of fortifications. However, the Danes were forced to abandon this position without a struggle on February 6, 1864, because the Prussian forces threatened to turn their flank, rendering the defensive line untenable.1
• Military Pressure: Following the retreat from the Danewirk, the Danish defenders faced relentless pressure, including the loss of the stronghold at Dybbøl after a two-week siege, which ultimately led to the occupation of the entire Jutland peninsula by Austro-Prussian forces.1