Question 31 (Choice 2) - Teachoo Sample Paper - Social Science Class 10 - Paper 1 - Solutions to CBSE Sample Paper - Social Science Class 10 - Social Science Class 10

How did the Zollverein or the customs union promote the economic integration and political unity of Germany? Elaborate in 5 points with relevant facts and figures.

Answer:

Answer by Student

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The Zollverein or the Customs Union promoted the economic integration and political unity of Germany by

• Removing the tariff barriers among the German states and creating a common market for trade and commerce. It abolished the tariff barriers that existed among the German states and allowed free movement of goods and capital within the union. It also established a uniform system of weights, measures and currency for trade and commerce.

• Encouraging the growth of industries such as coal, iron, steel, textiles and railways, which increased the production and consumption of goods and services. The Zollverein provided a large and unified market for these industries, which increased their demand and supply. It also facilitated the movement of raw materials, finished products and labor across the German states, which reduced costs and increased the profits.

• Strengthening the economic ties among the German states and reducing their dependence on foreign markets and currencies. The Zollverein created a common economic space that allowed the German states to trade with each other without any restrictions or barriers. It also enabled them to negotiate better terms of trade with other countries as a bloc.

• Fostering a sense of common identity among the German people who shared a common language, culture and history. The Zollverein promoted the use of German as a common language for trade and communication among the German states. It also encouraged the development of German culture and literature, which expressed the nationalist sentiments and aspirations of the German people.

• Preparing the ground for political unification under the leadership of Prussia, which dominated the Zollverein and used it as a tool to challenge the influence of Austria. Prussia was the largest and most powerful state in Germany, which had a strong army and a progressive administration. Prussia took the initiative to form and expand the Zollverein, which gave it an economic and political advantage over other German states. The Zollverein also paved the way for military conflicts between Prussia and Austria, which resulted in the exclusion of Austria from Germany and the establishment of a unified German Empire under Prussian leadership in 1871.

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