Question

What was Zollverein?

Answer 1

Hint: Germany is a country in Western Europe with a terrain that includes woods, rivers, mountain ranges, and beaches on the North Sea. It has a history dating back over two millennia. Its capital, Berlin, is home to art and nightlife activities, the Brandenburg Gate, and numerous WWII-related landmarks. Munich is famous for Oktoberfest and beer halls, such as the 16th-century Hofbräuhaus.

Complete answer:
The Zollverein, or German Customs Union, was a coalition of German states established to administer customs and economic policies within their respective borders. It was formally inaugurated on January 1, 1834, as a result of the Zollverein treaties of 1833. However, its roots had been laid since 1818, with the formation of several custom unions among German states. By 1866, the Zollverein had enlisted the support of the majority of German states.

The Zollverein was the first time in history that sovereign states completed a genuine economic union without simultaneously forming a political federation or union.
Prussia was the major driving force behind the establishment of the customs union. Austria was excluded from the Zollverein due to its highly protected industry, as well as Prince von Metternich's opposition to the notion. By the time the North German Confederation was formed in 1867, the Zollverein had encompassed roughly 425,000 square kilometres (164,000 square miles) of territory and had reached commercial agreements with numerous non-German governments, including Sweden–Norway. Following the establishment of the German Empire in 1871, the Empire took control of the customs union. However, until 1888, not all states in the Empire were members of the Zollverein (Hamburg for example).

Thus, The Zollverein was a customs union founded by the majority of German states.

Note: The goal of the Zollverein was to economically unite the Germans. Tariff barriers were eliminated, and the number of currencies was reduced from over thirty to only two. Through a combination of individual and regional interests, it served to rouse and develop national sentiment.