The major helping elements in Germany’s unification were the following :
1. Zollverin : Before the political unification of Germany began, the feeling of national unity was strengthened among the German people by the foundation laid by the economic unification that preceded it. Prussia made a customs duty pact with the small state of Schwarzburg and Saunderschossan, named Zollverin. Under this pact, custom duty was abolished on trade between the two states, and goods began to be transported without any obstacle. This increased trade considerably. This economic unity decreased the regional and territorial influences that were a detriment to Germany’s unification.
Gottleib had said, “The formation Zollverin strengthened the path of Germany’s unification under Prussia’s leadership.”
2. Intellectual movement : The contribution of philosophers, historians, litterateurs, and poets is important for the formation of any country. Lifte, Engels, Dolman, Hardenberg, Hentick-byne etc. called the German revolution as the superior most. Germany’s Zena University created a patriotic organistion named Birschenshaft in 1815. This organisation intstilled the feelings of justice, liberty and unity in the people.
3. Industrial development : Sufficient reserves of coal and iron were present in every region of Germany for industrial progress. These two are even today considered to be the foundation of all industries. These resources enabled the beginning of industrial revolution in Germany. Railway tracks were laid for transportation. The Zollverin pact between Prussia and Schwarzburg made Prussia the leading industrial region of Europe. This industrial progress gave birth to that commercial class, which saw its own benefit in Germany’s unification. They wanted German trade to flourish without obstacles.
4. Bismarck’s Contribution to German Unification : Prussia’s emperor Wilhem I (1861-1888) was an astute and strong-willed man. He knew that Germany’s unification was possible only through monarchy and its strong army. Because of this, he appointed Bismarck his Prime Minister. Bismarck was a clever politician, an expert international relations and an astute diplomat. On the one hand, Bismarck wanted to drive out Austria from within the German states by military might, and on the other hand, he wanted to take advantage of the international situation. In this direction, he began efforts to force secret pacts and carry out diplomacy with other countries. The unification process of entire Germany can be divided into three treaties.
