unification

Constructively, the unification of small states of people with similar culture, religion, language and traditions, into more organized countries occurred as a result of nationalism. In Germany, nationalism was encouraged by Otto von Bismarck. Bismarck wanted Prussia to lead the unification process. Prior to unification, Germany was broken down into various smaller states. As seen in the map (image A), there was Saxony, Bavaria, Prussia, Silesia, Hanover and much more. These states already had a trading network, the Zollverein, which enabled unification to take place however "Some believed a unified Germany would further reduce barriers to trade"(1). Once united, Germany's industrial strength grew and thereby so did their economy. This can be seen by the increase in railroads across the country in the chart (image B). This chart also shows how more people, and more products is moved among the German territories from 1850-1873.

A
 * Images**

B


 * Notes**

1. John M. Reid, __The Shaping of Western Society: An Inquiry Approach__. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc, 1968.

Image A: Website: __Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedi__a, "Unification of Germany", Date accessed 11.7.13__.__ Image B: Website: __Germany History in Documents and Image__s, "Forging an Empire - Bismarkian Germany", "Railway Construction 1850-1873". Date accessed 11.7.13.