Title: 
Headings: 

Content: In a general sense, the economic union did much to pave the way for later political unity in Germany. In Italy, no customs union comparable to the Zollverein aided the movement towards unification. Only Piedmont herself, under the guidance of Prime Minister Cavour, implemented some economic reforms that made the country the most economically advanced Italian state. This indirectly strengthened Piedmont to challenge the Austrian presence in Italy. 1848 Revolutions - Revolutionary spirit persisted in Italy since 1815, as witnessed from the sequel of uprisings throughout the decades. In 1848, revolts broke out in every Italian state for the sake of liberty and unity. The Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia also declared war on Austria to fight for Italian unification. Despite some initial successes, the revolutionary movement failed as revolts were ultimately suppressed by despotic rulers and Piedmont was defeated by Austria. Nonetheless, Piedmont greatly increased her prestige among Italian nationalists and liberals for her brave fighting against Austria and her promulgation of a constitution in 1848. Germany was equally affected by the great revolutionary tide.