Lauren

The period 1815-1848 saw a rise in Prussian prominence over the German states. There are a number of issues which lead to Prussia’s influence including and most importantly the economic, political and social factors. (GREAT START) The abolishment of the internal customs tariffs that had existed in the German states and the introduction of a single modest tariff known as the Zollverein or the Prussian Customs Union were just two examples of how Prussia was able to establish and maintain this dominance in the lead-up to German unification. What is also important is the role of external factors, including the decline of Austrian influence over the German states. VERY COMPREHENSIVE & CLEARLY STATED The two MOST SIGNIFICANT greatest economic improvements of the German states were the progression of transportation and the introduction of the Zollverein which resulted in the banishment of the tariff and certainly contributed the most to establishing Prussia’s dominance. The period between 1815 and 1848 saw a progression that transformed the German states economically, centrally through the construction of roads and railways. 1835 saw the first railway line assembled and this significantly increased the German industry as it was rapidly expanding. The opening of facilities such as textile mills and iron and steel works added to its expansion. Meanwhile in 1818 the economic development in Prussia continued to improve as the elimination of the internal customs tariffs allowed trade to flourish, and only a single modest tariff was introduced. This effective system applied only to goods coming into Prussia from outside, and it was proved so efficient that the other German states adapted to this change by not only eradicating their internal barriers but those barriers between states, revealing Prussia’s dominance. In due time Prussia lifted its tariff on goods entering its region from outside and this put the spotlight on the German states to merge with the Prussian customs. Subsequently on 1 January 1834 the Zollverein came into being and was an extensive change economically for the German states. The Zollverein covered a total population of 24 million people excluding Hanover, Mecklenburg, Oldenburg, Holstein and most importantly Austria. This meant that smaller states were linked to and was very much dependant on Prussia, stabilizing their dominance within the German states, thus excelling her influence. GOOD LEVEL OF HISTORICAL DETAIL The political position of the German states was rapidly changing and was seen through the shift of leaders. Prussia was becoming stronger and Austria’s strength was deteriorating as the pressure increased on the smaller states to join the dominant force. Prussia’s flexibility fed on the growth of their dominance. The German states became economically influenced by Prussia; this led to their dependence on Prussia rather than Austria leading to its decline and the end to their manipulative authority. 1848 was the year of revolutions, as the revolutionary surge reached the German states the leaders of Baden, Bavaria and Saxony promised new constitutions and political reform. Metternich’s resignation the same year allowed Prussia to proceed with and maintain their dominance. When Fredrick William heard of the resignation he announced various political reforms and supported a reorganisation of the German Confederation. The diet of the Germanic Confederation was formed and their role was to elect delegates to a national parliament whose position would be to draw up a constitution for a proposed federal union, this new national parliament was known as the Frankfurt Parliament. A German Federation was to be determined and after a long debate the delegates at Frankfurt went forward with this proposal and purposely decided to exclude Austria from the German Federation further illustrating Prussia’s dominant influence. As 1848 progressed the restoration of the absolute power of the King marked the end to revolution and a new constitution which remained in force until 1918. This new constitution provided a two- house parliament that met annually and was to be elected by universal male opinion. This year fundamentally confirmed Prussia as being the dominant power over the German states. It wasn’t TOO INFORMAL - PERHAPS THE DECLINE IN LIBERAL VALUES IS PARTLY RESPONSIBLE HOWEVER, just a decline in liberal values but a rise in the popularity of nationalist values that continued Prussia’s dominance. These nationalist values did not come so much from a combined German desire for unification, but more from the envious attitudes of other German states to Prussia’s economic success, and how extending Prussia’s power would be both beneficial to all German states and ensure Prussia’s influence. Nationalism was seen as a healthier concept for a nation who was trying to unify as it promotes a shared sense of history and community opposed to liberal aspirations because they promote the strength of the individual. The failure of liberalism was a positive defeat as it provided the German states with a nationalist response resulting in the changing of attitudes among many people. These attitudes, coupled with the idea of ‘sovereignty of the people’ that is, that the people rather than the monarch possessed supreme power in the state, were also instrumental. A key clue as to how these concepts worked so well for the Prussian people was their common sense and capability to achieve success as a state rather than individuals; this nourished the desire of the other German sates to follow in their shadow. This undeniably generated Prussia’s dominance and allowed them to maintain it through similar actions. The economic, political and social factors are not separate from one another. INTER-RELATED IS BETTER In fact Prussia’s economic success led to its ability to extend itself politically and socially over the other German states. Thus, stimulating the national movement towards German unification through her influence. What must be remembered throughout this period is that Prussia did not engage itself in an active campaign to extend its influence. Rather, the German people, motivated by Prussia’s economic successes and their shared sense of values resulted in the other German states engaging //themselves// in active pursuit of Prussia’s ideal economic, political and social world. THIS IS EXCELLENT! You structure, level of detail and language are very sophisticated. The next step is integrating the HISTORIAN into the picture.
 * Q. __Explain how Prussia extended her influence over the German states during__ ** **__ the period 1815-1848. __**

__Hi Laurenn!! Firstly, ur strengths definitely lie when your linking to the statement or question and your conclusion was really well in linking all your points all together and therefore making it very cohesive. Also, you've creatively put your point of view in your opening statements whilst linking each paragraph together and the question is clearly answered Although, i could see myself getting lost within the paragraphs as you were recounting the events, this could also be a factor as a result of the length of each paragraph. Maybe if you were to cut down, talking about one situation for each major factor, eg for economic development either talk about trasportation OR the Zollvereign..but then again your giving a lot of insight and showing the marker you know what your talking about You have identified that there are three issues in leading to Prussia influence and therefore have address all the key points and have dedicated a paragraph each to your different key points which is excellent as you are sustaining your arguement. You have made your argument clear, but maybe as Elena said, supporting it with where you got it from All in all..very impressed :)

Xxo ..Megan__

Lauren! Hii! Your essay was really really good. In your introduction you have answered the clearly answered the question. Your use of language is excellent; using good cause and effect words and sophisticated language. Your evidence that you have used are alright you use lots of dates and names however have not shown were you get your information from for example the yellow booklet (According to Christopher Condon, Author of The Modern World. Conflict and Change. (1994) .The only bad thing that I have to say is that I think the paragraphs are too long and maybe you should half the paragraphs when n talking about two different issues that both come underneath political factors for example. Come to me and talk to me if you don’t understand cause I found it hard to type what I have to say but overall it was heaps good and gave lots of information in why Prussia extended its influence over the German States. Bye xoxoxo.