They chose Christian of Glucksburg, and all the Powers pledged themselves to recognise him as ruler over all the dominions of the King of Denmark.
Prussia and Austria were among the Powers who signed the Treaty of London, but the Diet of Frankfort was not bound by it.

At the same time, Denmark had entered into certain engagements pledging itself to preserve the separation between Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark, and also not to oppress the German people in Schleswig.

The Danes did not keep their engagement; despising the Germans, they renewed the old policy, attempted to drive back the German language, and introduced new laws which were inconsistent with the local privileges of Holstein and Schleswig.

The Holstein Estates appealed for protection to the Diet.

The Germans protested, but the Danes were obstinate.