essay - evaluation of the reasons for german unification between 1862 & 1871

disclaimer: this is a shit and much shorter version of my real one. i was using this to revise. i am sorry if there is any typing errors

other factors besides prussian military strength, prussian economic strength and the role of other countries include... the role of bismarck and the decline of austria

before 1871, 'germany' did not exist - there was a german confederation made up of 39 states. states had different currencies, customs and rules. however, strong feelings of nationalism existed due to a shared language, culture and history. on the 18th of january 1971, in the hall of mirrors in the palace of versailles, otto von bismarck had the honour of proclaiming the birth of the german empire

prussian military strength: after 1862, prussian military was modernised by von roon and von moltke - introduced new tactics and weapons such as krupp and rapid fire needle gun. won three wars of unification against denmark, austria and france between 1962-71 removing bismarck's main opposition to unification (battles of koniggratz/sedan). this is an important reason for german unification as it inspired nationalist feelings among the states as purssia won three wars in a short space of time. smaller states warmed to unification as they felt protected by prussia. a united german army influenced by the prussian military would be stronger and able to defend itself better in a time of war against a foreign enemy. this is a less important reason for german unification as nationalist feelings amongst states was limited as they wanted to avoid war. if states were to unify with prussia they would also be dragged into a war

prussian economic states: the zollverein (customs union) continued to thrive in the 1860's. bringing economic benefits to all of the member states; in 1868 the zollparliament (customs parliament) created political unity. the economy of the german states further benefited from the development of the prussian/ german rail network which carried goods, passengers and news across german states. this is an important reason for german unification as it helped stimulate trade and industry, enabling creation of a strong military; economic unity between states a stepping stone political unity and made states realise how prosperous they would be. this is a less important reason for german unification as the majority of people did not reap the benefits of zollverein; economic success of zollverein before 1871 may be exaggerated

the role of other countries: britain followed splendid isolation - they would not get involved in european affairs. queen victoria's husband was german and britain had allied with prussia in wars before. russia focused on introducing forms at home. austria has not come to their aid during the fight with the british and the french in the crimean war. prussia had helped russia in their struggle against poland by refusing polish refugees passage into prussia. this is an important reason for german unification as britain welcomed unifcation as it would act as a counter weight to france and russia's power. this is a less important reason for unification as neither country would have posed a threat to the process if unification anyway based on their own desires to expand their power and empires