Hey Guys,
In OTL the Crimean War just had Russia (and some Bulgarian legions) versus the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain and the Kingdom of Sardinia. The Russians lost the war, with it being forced to lose some territory and also demilitarize the island away from its Duchy of Finland.
A year earlier a war had just ended between Denmark and the German states. Though due to a succession crisis the talks became complicated. Let's say the succession issue of Denmark hasn't been solved yet with the Tsar demanding Danish closure of the straits to the Western Powers from entering the Baltic in exchange of support in the succession issue. Denmark will try everything possible to avoid going to war with Britain but the succession issue is essential in keeping the Russian alliance and relations with the German states.
Thus the Tsar forces Denmark into closing the straits to the 'allied' forces. This causes the declaration of war against Denmark now as well. How could Denmark contribute to the war effort? I know it won't make a big difference because of its population and thus small army, but how could its wider impact on the Crimean War be?
Could Prussia invade Schleswig-Holstein and take it? And thus due to this Russia declares war on Prussia also for helping the allies. This then escalates the situation with Austria also declaring war on Russia (due to the German Confederation.) Now we have a war in Europe which involves 5 militarily capable states against 2 states, one of which is militarily capable though another which is totally incapable due to its position and population.
If this situation goes ahead how different would Europe be afterwards? I can imagine that the Treaty would be much harsher on Russia due to the fact that the increased manpower and fronts would cause Russia to face a much more humiliating defeat. Could we see a British Greenland? Along with another nation taking the Danish Virgin Island? Obviously Prussia would most likely annex Schleswig-Holstein, but would we see a puppet-state of Poland being set up by the German Confederation? In fact what would happen to the German Confederation, would it be more unified? What else would we see?