Title: German Unification - Knowledge Base, HouseofNames.com
Headings: German Unification
German Unification
References

Content: German Unification - Knowledge Base, HouseofNames.com
German Unification
The movement toward German unification began in the first half of the 19th century. Once completed, its impact on the course of European history was immeasurable. The trend toward unification began with a power struggle between the two most prominent German states, Prussia and Austria, each seeking to control a unified Germany. Prussia eventually emerged victorious and became the dominant state in the unified Germany. The first serious modern attempt at unifying the German states commenced in 1815, when an Austrian-dominated confederacy was established. However, the economic power of Prussia, Austria's rival, was increasing at this time, due to unprecedented iron and coal production, and the benefits reaped from Europe's growing railway network. This network, along with the foundation of the German Customs Network (also known as the Zollverein) in 1834, was instrumental in binding the German states closer together. Significantly, Prussia's maneuvering resulted in Austria being completely excluded from the Zollverein. The German confederation was cast into uncertainty by the revolutions besieging Europe in 1848, yet, by the 1850s, Prussia had clearly emerged as the dominant economic power. Furthermore, Prince William of Prussia had set his sights upon a Prussian-led union after his investiture as Regent in 1858.