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The Unification of Germany, c1840–71

Economic developments in Prussia

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2

Overview

Recall questions on the growth of the Zollverein and its political use, Prussian finances, the Ruhr and Krupp, railways, and how far economics explains unification.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Key term

What was Prussia's financial position by the 1860s?

Numbers

What was the Zollverein?

Who and when

How did Prussian industry grow after 1850?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why was the Zollverein significant for unification?

    Model answer

    It bound many German states economically to Prussia and excluded Austria, laying foundations for later political unity.

  2. 2

    What was the Zollverein?

    Model answer

    A customs union led by Prussia, established in 1834, that removed internal tariffs between member states and promoted economic integration.

  3. 3

    How did the Zollverein develop?

    Model answer

    From Prussian internal free trade in 1818, through regional unions, to the customs union of 1834 covering 18 states, expanding until it included almost all Germany except Austria.

  4. 4

    How did Prussia use the Zollverein politically?

    Model answer

    By setting the tariff, controlling admission, and threatening renewal of the treaties, which gave it leverage over states that were politically hostile to it.

  5. 5

    What was Prussia's financial position by the 1860s?

    Model answer

    Strong: a growing tax base, a well-managed budget, and access to credit through banks such as Bleichroder's, which financed the wars without parliamentary approval.

  6. 6

    How did Prussian industry grow after 1850?

    Model answer

    Coal output in the Ruhr multiplied several times over, Krupp's steelworks expanded enormously, and Prussia overtook Austria decisively in iron and rail production.

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