Zollverein's Role: Economic or Political?
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‘The Zollverein’s role was economic not political.’ How far do you agree?
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The Zollverein, a customs union formed in 1834, played a significant role in the economic development of Germany. However, the extent to which it had a political impact is a matter of debate. While some argue that the Zollverein was primarily an economic organization aimed at promoting trade and prosperity, others contend that it had clear political implications, particularly in terms of Prussia's leadership and Austria's exclusion.
One of the main arguments supporting the view that the Zollverein was primarily an economic entity is the fact that it emerged as a response to the numerous customs barriers and internal tariffs that hindered trade within the German Confederation. Prior to the formation of the Zollverein, the 39 states of the Confederation managed their own economies, leading to a fragmented and inefficient trade system. The creation of customs unions, such as the Prussian Customs Union (PCU) and the Middle German Commercial Union (MGCU), aimed to address these issues. The collapse of the MGCU in 1831 and the subsequent inclusion of Hesse-Cassel, Bavaria, and Württemberg in the PCU led to the establishment of the Zollverein. Its main objective was to abolish customs duties and promote free trade among its member states, thereby stimulating economic growth and prosperity.
Furthermore, the Zollverein's alignment with the idea of free trade further supports the argument that its role was primarily economic. By attempting to unify currencies and weights and measures, the Zollverein aimed to remove as many internal trade barriers as possible, allowing goods to move more freely. This emphasis on economic integration and liberalization suggests that the Zollverein was primarily concerned with economic considerations rather than political ones.
On the other hand, there are valid arguments suggesting that the Zollverein had political implications. The inclusion of Hesse-Cassel in the Zollverein was crucial in bridging the gap between Prussia in the east and its distant Rhineland territories in the west. This geographical unification had clear political implications, as it helped to strengthen Prussia's position and influence within Germany. Additionally, the Prussian finance minister's assertion in 1830 that a free trade organization would isolate Austria and weaken its political influence over the other German states highlights the political motivations behind the Zollverein's creation. The increasing perception of the Zollverein as a force for German unity and Prussia as the natural leader of a united Germany further underscores its political significance.
In conclusion, while the Zollverein's primary objective was to promote economic integration and prosperity, it is evident that it also had political implications. The economic benefits of the Zollverein, such as the abolition of customs duties and the promotion of free trade, cannot be denied. However, its role in bridging the gap between Prussia's eastern and western territories and its potential to weaken Austria's political influence suggest that it had a clear political function as well. Ultimately, the Zollverein's economic and political dimensions were intertwined, and it played a crucial role in shaping the future of Germany.
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‘The Zollverein’s role was economic not political.’ How far do you agree? Indicative content Arguments to support this view may consider how, after 1815, the 39 states of the German Confederation managed their own economies. This created innumerable customs barriers and internal tariffs restricted trade. Therefore, to try and tackle these problems several customs unions had been formed. For example, in the north, the Prussian Customs Union (PCU), in the south the Bavarian and Württemberg and Middle German Commercial Union (MGCU). In 1831 the MGCU collapsed, and Hesse-Cassel joined the PCU, as did Bavaria and Württemberg in 1834. Hesse-Cassel was no doubt prompted by the fact that the cost of securing tariff borders and tariff administration had cost her 100% of her tariff income prior to 1830. Therefore, the enlarged PCU, the Zollverein, was a means to achieve increased trade and prosperity by abolishing customs duties. The Zollverein followed on from these previous customs unions. It was, also, aligned with the increasingly popular idea of free trade – doing away with as many internal trade barriers as possible for goods to move more freely. The Zollverein began attempting to unify both the currencies and weights and measures used by its member states. Economic considerations influenced Austria to remain outside the Zollverein. She disagreed with free trade as within her Empire she had large markets for her home-produced goods. Austria wanted high import duties to protect her industries and markets from cheap imports. If she had joined the Zollverein, then these duties would have to be reduced to the same level as the other member states. Responses challenging this view might discuss how the Zollverein was a means to help unite Prussia, in the east, with her distant Rhineland territories in the west. In this respect Hesse-Cassel membership was vital in helping to bridge the gap. In 1851 Hanover, Electoral Hesse and some lesser states joined the Zollverein, further rounding off this gap. It did have a clear political function. In 1830, before its creation, the Prussian finance minister had pointed out to his king that a free trade organization would not only bring prosperity to Prussia but isolate Austria, also. This isolation would lead to a weakening of Austria’s political influence over the other German states. Many argued that if the Zollverein, under Prussian leadership, brought economic advantages then it made sense to pursue a political union. From the 1840s the Zollverein was seen, increasingly, as a force for German unity and many northern German states saw Prussia as the natural leader of a united Germany. Accept any other valid responses.