Main Reasons for the Unification of Germany

Roads and railroad production was increasing rapidly during the early 19th Century. Roads were deteriorated to a great extent by various wars and other violent events. At this point in time, roads got improved and underwent repair on a larger extent; the production of railways skyrocketed in the German States. The expansion of railways increased industrialization and provided many raw materials, which could only be accessed to industries from far sources. Just like Zollverein, this made connections with one another (the German States) easier and promoted freedom, independence and prosperity. Germans began to see unity in factors other than language.

        The outstanding statesmanship and political ability of the Prussian Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, is perhaps one of the main reasons for the unifying of Germany. Bismarck led a collection of early modern policies to reorganize political, economic, military and diplomatic relationships in the 19thCentury. He manipulated his way into wars, which stirred up German nationalism. The Austro-Prussian war for example, brought out results in the case of either Austria or Prussia winning, Germany would be united under its dominance. Prussia won, meaning that German unification was underway due to the single-nation dominance, which incited Napoleon III to stay away from Germany.

        The Franco-Prussian war was a major factor in unifying Germany as well. Since before the declaration of war from France to Prussia, during the creation of the North German Confederation, the states of Germany, both north and south were to sign a treaty, agreeing that if France were to claim war on Germany, the states would come together and fight the French as a whole. This caused and allowed unification to Germany. Although during the North German Confederation, there were isolation between the north and southern states, this war allowed the southern states to feel more connected to Germany.