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| 1846, May |
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| Society of Friends to Farmers (Bondevernnernes Selskab) was formed. This organization demonstrated the developing coalition between farmers and liberals and helped to encourage the king to consider a liberal constitution. | 1 |
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| 1847 |
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| Icelandic Althing met and decided to address a proposal to the king, asking for reforms that would expand suffrage, introduce more direct voting, and require all members to speak in Icelandic. | 2 |
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| 1848, Jan. 20 |
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| Christian VIII died before he could discuss the constitution he had had drafted. | 3 |
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| Jan. 28 |
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| Frederick VII declared himself in favor of the constitution. The constitution took effect on June 5, 1849. It provided freedom of religion and speech as well as other civil liberties and created a bicameral Riksdag consisting of the Folketing and Landsting. Duchies were given equal status. The king retained the right to choose his own ministers and had the veto on all legislation. | 4 |
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| March 22 |
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| Frederick declared himself a constitutional monarch. | 5 |
| Schleswig-Holstein. The government offered Holstein and Lauenburg a free constitution and right to join the Germanic Confederation, whereas Schleswig would have its own Diet but remain united with Denmark. Schleswig refused, and the Danes became involved in a war against Schleswig and German forces. Danes won the Battle of Fredericia (July 6, 1849), and a provisional government was set up in Schleswig. Despite a truce, hostilities resumed, and only in 1851 did the Danes succeed in regaining control of Schleswig. (See Denmark and Iceland) | 6 |
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