2. Powerful Austria
Until 1848, Austria was the
dominant state within the
German Confederation.
Austria believed a united
Germany would threaten its
own multi-ethnic empire and
so opposed unification.

3. Austria and Prussia
Austria worried Prussia might
dominate a united Germany.
Both were divided by religion
(Austria, Catholic – Prussia, Protestant).
Austria was also angry at
having been excluded by
Prussia from the Zollverein.

4. 1848 Revolutions
Austria had been hugely
affected by the 1848
revolutions.
Chancellor Metternich had
even had to flee Vienna
because of the violent protests.

5. Main obstacle? Yes
Austria had permanent
Chairmanship of the Bund –
this gave them chances to
weaken unification attempts.
Austria had support of
southern states that needed its
military protection.

6. Main obstacle? Yes
The Frankfurt Parliament was
most successful when Austria
was distracted by revolution.
Once Franz Josef re-established
order, Austria worked to defeat
unification, including
withdrawing its delegates.

7. Main obstacle? No
Opposition to united Germany
was found in all the states, not
simply Austria, often based on
monarchy concerns.
Prussia’s leader, Frederick
William, also had major
doubts about unification.