Customs Union

The economic changes in Prussia – including

abolishing taxes and introducing tariffs –

interested other German states.

They wanted to enjoy the same benefits to grow their

own economies.

1834 changes

In 1834, the Zollverein was established. This was a Customs Union

between various German states.

Members of the union had to agree to follow

Prussian trade and tax law.

Arguments for

This was a significant step in German unification. By

1836, 25 out of 39 German states were

members.

This gave Prussia significant influence on

countries across the Bund/Confederation.

Arguments against

Not all countries joined the Customs Union, and Austria was specifically

excluded.

Also, although Prussia tried to influence other

states’ political decisions, they were

often ignored.