Prussia introduced economic reforms including abolishing taxes and tariffs that interested other German states. In 1834, a Customs Union called the Zollverein was established between Prussia and other German states where members agreed to follow Prussian trade and tax law, growing their economies. By 1836, 25 of 39 German states had joined the Customs Union, significantly increasing Prussia's economic and political influence across Germany, though some states resisted and Austria remained excluded.

2. Customs Union
The economic changes in
Prussia – including abolishing
taxes and introducing tariffs –
interested other German states.
They wanted to enjoy the same
benefits to grow their own
economies.

3. 1834 changes
In 1834, the Zollverein was
established. This was a
Customs Union between
various German states.
Members of the union had
to agree to follow Prussian
trade and tax law.

4. Arguments for
This was a significant step in
German unification. By 1836,
25 out of 39 German states
were members.
This gave Prussia significant
influence on countries across
the Bund/Confederation.

5. Arguments against
Not all countries joined the
Customs Union, and Austria
was specifically excluded.
Also, although Prussia tried to
influence other states’ political
decisions, they were often
ignored.