Evaluate the contribution of economic and military factors to the rise of Prussia during the period from 1815 to 1866.

Candidates will make an appraisal of the contribution of both issues to the rise of Prussia; however, the treatment of each need not be equal. Economic factors could include the role of the Zollverein, Bismarck’s polices to strengthen the Prussian economy, and the weakness of the Austrian economy. Military factors could include military reforms in Prussia and victory in the various wars, which contrasted with Austria’s military weakness (defeat in Italy and in 1866). Candidates could challenge the question, arguing that factors other than those relating to the military and economy were important in the rise of Prussia. They could stress the importance of political leadership. For example, Austrian political leadership was not entirely focused on Germany and rivalry with Prussia, instead looking to protect Austria’s Italian possessions. Bismarck, however, was clearly focused on strengthening Prussia within Germany.