How important were the Zollverein in changing the balance of power between Austria and Prussia?

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How important were the Zollverein in changing the balance of power between Austria and Prussia?

      The Zollverein were very important in changing the balance of power from Austria to Prussia. This is because Prussia now influenced the Germanic states more than Austria and provided a form of unification, of which there was much demand from the German people. In addition, after the formation of the zollverein,  Prussia grew economically stronger each year while Austria grew weaker. Although there are other factors involved in the deteriation of Austria, the Zollverein had a big part to play here.  The Austrian delegate to the Diet of the confederation said " The Zollverein is one of the chief nails in the coffin of the German confederation and Prussia is now taking over the actual leadership of Germany." Since this is a reliable source, it suggests that it played an important role in the downfall of the Austrian rule over the Germanic states as Austria went from having a major influence over the Germanic states to "Austria's Leadership being merely formal." in addition the importance of the Zollverein was clearly recognised by the Austrians as they made every effort to join when the renewal of the organisation was discussed in 1852. This again shows the importance of the zollverein in changing the balance of power between Austria and Prussia.

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           Metternich saw the zollverein as a form of a threat and said, "little by little, under the direction of Prussian and by the necessary formation of common interests, the states which make up the Union will compose a more or less compact body, which in every matter (and not simply in commercial affairs will act and vote in common on the basis of pre arranged principles. "  The fact that Austria is worried about the Zollverein shows it's significance, furthermore William Carr has called the Zollverein “The mighty lever of German unification.” while John ...

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