economic factor

• In 1818, Prussia established a voluntary customs union known as the “Zollverein.” This involved the abolishment of trade tariffs and lowering import rates, thus creating an economic free trade area. Prussian businessmen mainly benefited from this, as they controlled the Rhineland, meaning they had to pay large amounts when transporting goods.
• By 1836, the Zollverein included 25 of the 39 states and 25 million people, however, this excluded Austria, which left them isolated. Metternich, the leader of Austria at the time, realised the potential effects the Zollverein could have in the aftermath.
• Mainly due to this union, however, Prussian and German roads and railways grew, which encouraged economic cooperation between states and allowed greater exploitation of Germany’s resources.
• Prussia, arguably the most influential state, saw the benefits that a single Germany without trading taxes could bring, so overall these economic factors resulted in a growth of nationalist support.
• ANALYSIS (for)

  • Drew the German states together economically.
  • Prussia was firmly established as the economic leader in Germany, so economic nationalism grew significantly, especially amongst the middle-classes.
• ANALYSIS (against)

  • Working classes were not granted the ability to travel on the new railway system, so therefore many did not experience the benefits of trade, suggesting a limited widespread impact.
  • Despite Austria being isolated from the Zollverein, they were still perceived as the political leaders of the German states and used their existing wealth and influence to prevent any change.
• EVALUATION

  • Due to the fact that without the Zollverein, Prussia would have been unable to overpower Austria, which was notably a nation against nationalism. By excluding them, the concept of nationalism was able to spread more freely and therefore make more people receptive to it.