Dominique

** Explain how Prussia extended her influence over German states during the period 1815-1848 ** Like the many cities only found in a text book, Prussia’s existence was short lived. She came she conquered and then vanished. Nevertheless of her standing now during the 19th century Prussia was the second ranking German power and possessed immense control of the Empire. The largest and most prominent causes leading to the extension of Prussia’s influences over German states was her willingness to march towards improving economic development. Her failure of liberalism ensured state sovereignty and the pressure she placed upon the smaller states in order to gain a dominant force.

Prussia’s openness to advance economically is one aspect leading to her gaining such a powerful standing in Europe. In the 19th to be a dominant power, one must be willing to develop as time moves on, and if the state doesn’t “jump on the modernisation band wagon” they would be left behind. According to the source booklet, //Germany////, 1815-1848// obtained in class, Prussia developed from a backward agrarian economics to a stage which laid the foundation for the later rapid growth that was to propel Germany into the first rank of industrial powers. Prussia’s biggest economic development, the construction of roads and railways in 1835 which was a large reflection of the progress Prussia was undergoing. Prussia was a reflection of which direction Europe was heading in and in comparison to Austria who was disinterested in change and conservative Prussia continued to evolve. With the progression towards developing roads and railways, this ensured the transport of foreign goods, but with this trade, circulated customs and tariffs. If an imported item has a tariff placed upon it, people are less inclined to purchase the foreign goods thus giving Prussia the ‘upper-hand’ of having the lower prices. But with the establishment of The Zollverein otherwise recognised as the German Customs Union, In Germany which was a customs merger created to abolish tax barriers and was shaped in 1834. With reference to //The Zollverein on Wikispaces// the document was formed within most of the states in the German Confederation excluding Austria, and its sole purpose was to absolve internal conduct obstruction, whilst maintaining a protectionist tax scheme including foreign trade associates therefore the Zollverein formed a free trade zone within western Germany. Thus ensuring the states productivity remained in favour, of the state or those in favour of the Zollverein. With Prussia holding the power in her hands her influence over the empire influenced the decisions of the other states, as now they had to consider if it was right according to Prussia.  // One knows that liberalism: ////promotes liberty of the individual, right to be free from tyrannical government …basic freedoms including speech, religion, and freedom of press and to ensure that ultimate power was entrusted to Prussia, liberalism was something that could not be considered, as with more rights more people question the actions of the monarch hence proving a threat to those in power. Prussia marched on with an autocratic style of government which monitored the rights of the Prussian’s ensuring order was maintained within the state. Therefore, with the autocratic government controlling the population Prussia’s power was a power force from within. //  Prussia ’s choice to move beyond liberalism ensured sovereignty of the people and the restriction of their rights as an individual to control the state, her pressure placed upon the empire to merge with Prussia’s economic reforms and primarily her willingness towards industrialisation influenced her power spread across Germany in the 19th Century.

A comprehensive and well thought out response. The use of sources was excellent and reference to the wikispaces provided depth to the response. To improve the response you could have gone into a bit more detail and expanded on points. Even though the use of 'cause and effect' was present in your response you could have used it more often to help to explain some of your points better. Social and Political factors? Overall very good, i enjoyed your response. I like the colour of the writing lol hehehe Martina xx