2. Prussian power
Although Austria was the
most politically powerful state
in the Bund, Prussia was very
important too.
Prussia controlled the
Zollverein and was a major
military power too.

3. A Prussian threat?
Prussia was seen as a threat by
many of the smaller German
states, especially in the south.
Many small states worried
that a united Germany would
be dominated by Prussia.

4. Main obstacle? Yes
Austria was both jealous of
and angry about Prussia’s
economic strength.
The decision to exclude
Austria from the Zollverein
angered them and made them
unlikely to work with Prussia.

5. Main obstacle? Yes
Smaller German states tended
to side with Austria during
discussions at the Bund.
Also, the north/south
religious differences caused
further resentment towards
Prussia.

6. Main obstacle? No
France continued to be a
worry for many Germans.
Prussia was the main obstacle
to them taking control of land
near the Rhine.
Many German states relied on
Prussia for protection.

7. Main obstacle? No
Austria tried to end the
Zollverein and replace it with
their own customs union.
However other German states
rejected this, believing they had
too much to lose, showing some
Prussian support.