Martina

**Explain how Prussia extended her influence over German states during the period 1815-1848**   The Prussian empire is merely a distant memory in the minds of many people, however to their astonishment and disbelief, Prussia was once one of the most influential and significant countries within Europe. Throughout a vast majority of the 1800’s, Prussia greatly extended her economic influence over a mass of German states. It is within the period of 1815-1848, that Prussia not only economically dominated German states, but amplified her influence through the use of nationalism, liberalism and social and political factors.

Through a diverse array of sources, it has become evident that Prussia’s biggest influence over German Sates was her economic dominancy. Merely one of the most significant economic impacts that Prussia had on the German states, was her decision to introduce a single modest tariff which applied to goods entering Prussia territory from foreign places. As a result, this stimulated economic development throughout Europe, especially on the German states as they followed suit and abolished internal barriers. Prior to the inflation of foreign tariffs, the internal customs tariffs that subsisted within Prussia and between German states was abolished. However, the introduction of raised tariffs on goods entering in 1828 brought pressure for many of the German states to merge with Prussian customs. Consequently, on the 1st of January 1834, Prussia established the Prussian Customs Union, better known as the Zollverien. The Zollverien   was a customs amalgamation established to abolish tax obstruction and eradicate internal conduct obstacles while establishing and maintaining a protectionist tax scheme with foreign associates. The Prussian Customs Union covered all German states bar those of the North including Hanover, Mecklenburg, Oldenburg and Holste and the rapidly declining Austria. The Zollverien proved too momentous and vital to the political unification of the German states, resulting in the decline of Austria’s influence over the German States. Between 1815 to 1848; Germany saw improvements within its infrastructure which lead to its development economically. The growth of the economy was the introduction of roads, railways and improvements in communications. These improvements lead there to be greater communication between Germany and its alliances, allowing Germany’s economic prosperity to further enhance. Hence why Prussia’s economic dominancy over the German states was the most significant influence.   Liberalism and Nationalism also contributed to overall influence that Prussia had over the German States during the period 1815-1848. Liberalism came to Europe at a time when a large majority of countries and provinces were ruled by absolute monarchs. Thus it deemed that ordinary citizens possessed no political rights or say in government matters. Nationalism grew out of a belief that certain things such as language, race or religion separated certain people from those that had diverse beliefs, spoke a different language and believed in a different God. This concept united with the theory of the ‘sovereignty of the people’, which meant that the people rather than the monarch possessed supreme power in the state. It was through this concept that a belief that an individual’s first priority was to ‘the nation’, not to the monarch. The economic prosperity of the Prussia deemed to act as a catalyst for a middle class within Prussian society to develop in which was to embrace political liberalism. During this period, Austria and Prussia were the two dominate countries that dealt with the affairs of the German States; however Austria was very conservative and resistant to cultural, industrial modernisation which hindered their rule over the German States. In contrast, Prussia was open to change and industrialisation, thus allowing them to have a greater influence over the German States. Frederick William III raised hope for many liberals during the Napoleonic wars by stating that a constitution would be written in order to see out that all Prussian’s were given political rights. Nevertheless, in 1840 when Frederick William IV came into power, Prussia followed Austria’s leadership of the German States, thus sustaining a stance on Austrian policy of opposition to political liberalism and national unity. Consequently, it was Prussia’s dominance over the German States that restricted and constrained them from attaining political liberalism and national unity.  The year that was 1848 was an extremely significant year within German history, as for it was the year that Germany would be unified under the leadership of the liberals, contained by a liberal political structure. As a result of the failed 1848 revolution and numerous failed attempts to achieve national unity, especially with Prussia, it weakened the power of liberalism in Germany. Thus, it is evident that within the year 1848, the link between liberalism and nationalism was over. Therefore, liberalism and ones all mighty quest for national unity was separated.  Prussia may be seen as an insignificant and elapsed figure in the minds numerous individuals, however it has become purely evident that Prussia played a detrimental role in influencing German States during 1815 through to 1848. Through the use of economic dominancy, liberalism, national and social and political factors, Prussia was able to influence the German States and direct them onto the path that they now endeavour.

have fun reading it hehehe =] 

AWSOME INTRO, very formal language used and well structured introduction to the subject matter... however you have spoken about the economic issues, but aim to make refrence to the political and social issues in slightly more depth. :) very concise paragraph on the economic issues... with refrence to the question and links back to the question, aim to incorperate more language of cause and effect. make refrence to some valid sources... thereby strengthinging your argument.

yet to be finished, but your on a flying start <3 emily.

Pretty good so far, but still needs to be finished. Your writing style is quite creative and figurative so you should stick with that strength. you should aim to reference to political and social factors more elaborately and try to use more language of cause and effect. also try to support your argument with more evidence and possibly the opinion of an historian. overall a good effort.  //I Love you style of writing Not just because your my friend but, this is one of the more interesting essays ive read you use really good vocabulary and you have great structure=) im happy to see you document is all one font..see wiki doesnt hate you THAT much lol well keep up thee good work hi 5 from a far=D much// //♥ dominiquee x.//