Megan




//__ **Explain how Prussia extended her influence over the German states during the period 1815-1848?**  __ //

In the 19th century the two most dominant countries that influenced the affairs of the German states were Austria and Prussia. Austria was the largest, most powerful and dominating force in the early parts of the 19th century. Prussia’s extending influence over the German states during 1815-1848 was a result of a number of factors, these consisted of; a middle class arising who in time embraced political liberalism and the sovereignty of the people, economic changes such as Prussia being open to change and industrialism and the political factor of King Fredrick William IV and his political reforms. However the most significant influence that contributed to Prussia’s domination was the abolition of all internal tariffs and the introduction of one single tariff, this was known as the Zollverein. I liked you introduction it was informative. The uprising of a middle class is significant when explain how Prussia rose in her influence over German states as it became a starting point in embracing political liberalism when industrial development occurred in the 1820s and 1830s. The ruler of Prussia at the time was King Fredrick William III who once promoted liberalism by promising a constitution, but never followed through after the Napoleonic wars, until his son Fredrick William IV ascended to the throne in 1840. According to Christopher Condon, Author of The Modern World. Conflict and Change. (1994), the monarchs of Europe where apposed to sovereignty of the people and apposing liberty of the individual as they saw this as dangerous and a threat as citizens would not stay loyal to the monarchs as previously shown in Britain, America and France due to their revolutions on liberty of the people. To a great extent, when this middle class grew in Prussia and King Fredrick William IV was given absolute power, Prussia quickly became a dominating force in the German states as basic citizen’s rights were met in the Prussian constitution.

Similarly, economic development helped in making Prussia an influential force within the 38 states of Germany as industrialism spurred in the 1830s which made German states, particularly Prussia develop into a dominant industrial state open to change and development. The introduction of roads and railway helped in fostering trade, and improvements in communication helped in creating a greater alliance with surrounding countries. Particularly Prussia served in propelling Germany to ranking first in industrial powers and this therefore is why Prussia became such a significant force during the period of 1815-1848.

As earlier mentioned, a strong force for change and reform to extend Prussian influence came into action when King Frederick William IV was given absolute power to be King of Prussia, after the end of the Prussian revolutions that took place and failed. Prussia was made into a constitution under King Frederick William IV whereby limited political reforms were made which involved universal male suffrage given the opportunity to elect the government, and according to Christopher Condon, a bi-cameral parliament came into place which would meet annually. To a great extent the Prussian constitution became a significant factor to explain Prussia’s influence over the German states as the Prussian constitution was a unique reformation.

Finally, the most crucial factor to discuss when explaining how Prussia extended her influence over the German states was set in 1818 where the abolition of all internal tariff areas and the introduction of one single modest tariff took place whereby Prussia got rid of most of the unnecessary customs and tariffs that were putting taxes on imports and exports. This reform spurred economic development and proved so capable, resourceful and efficient, stimulating the economy. 1 January 1834 marks a significant date as the Zollverein, other wise known as the Customs Union, was introduced, this Union covered 24 million people, which were most of the German states, accept Austria. Christopher Condon supports this in regards to this resulting in the decline of the Austrian influence over German states as they were depended now on Prussia. Consequently, this reform in Prussia became like a chain effect to abolishing internal custom tariffs, gave Prussia more power in the German Confederation, increased productivity, took focus away from Austria and Prussia soon became in most control of the German States.

All in all, due to the four factors discussed of the emergence of political liberalism and sovereignty of the people, economic development, political reforms and the development of the Zollverein, a great amount of influence was put on the 38 German States not by Austria, but now the force of Prussia and its newly reformed constitution which was proved during the period of 1815-1848. Hi Megan =] i really liked your essay. in your intorduction you explained the status of prussia and austria at the time and then explained briefly how prussia extended its influence over the German states during the introduction which gave insight into what the rest of the essay will be about.Your introduction does address all the neccessary key points that are asked in the question. I think that you need to make more use of cause and effect language example: liberalism failed because of.... However you make good use of connector words such as the most crutical factor, as earlier mentioned.You have good evidence in your essay backing up your context by using the authors name of the booklet, dates and names. Overall for you first essay its good but i think that you should use more cause and effect language but you have answered the question really well and you have gotten straight to the point in all your paragraphs without giving to much information !! bye xoxoxox.

I really enjoyed reading your essay, it was really straight forward, according to me you have very successfully answered the question. Your introduction was very clear and adresses the question directly. You have explained all your points and arguments very clearly and have used evidence to back it up. You have linked each paragraph to your main arrgument. You have used the language of cause and effect. Your strengths are that you very clearly described your understanding and your response over all was simple and straight forward. I can't think of anything bad to say. I think you did an amazing job :D