Examine the role of Prussia in the consolidation of the new German state after 1871.

The question requires that candidates examine the relationship between Prussia and the new German state. The head of state (Kaiser) was by hereditary right the King of Prussia. The constitution of the new state gave Prussia an automatic veto in the Reichstag and Bundesrat. The Kaiser appointed the government that controlled key areas such as foreign policy, defence, coinage and customs. Responses may argue that Prussian dominance in government ensured the consolidation of the new state. Others may point out that some states were allowed a measure of autonomy, which reconciled them to Prussian dominance (Bavaria controlled her own railways and troops in peacetime). Bismarck, as Chancellor, arguably played a key role in consolidating the new state. He ended the Kulturkampf after protests from South German states ensuring they remained loyal to the Kaiser. Prussia’s economic and political dominance were central to the consolidation of the new federal state. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the interrelationship between the role of Prussia and the consolidation of the new German state after 1871. Unfortunately, many of those who answered this question focussed on events before 1871: e.g., the development of the Zollverein and/or the wars of German unification which was not what the question was asking. A few responses were able to respond with knowledge of Prussia's role in the new German state after 1871.