Many factors contributed to the unification of Germany.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1-4] 'The Habsburgs were permanently excluded from German affairs.'
2. [1-4] 'The German Confederation was abolished.'
3. [1-4] 'The North German Confederation formed as a military alliance.'
4. [1-4] 'The Southern German states outside the Confederation paid large indemnities to Prussia.'
5. [1-4] 'Schleswig-Holstein gave Prussia access to the Baltic Sea.'
6. [1-4] 'Schleswig-Holstein gave Prussia excellent harbours to the North and Baltic seas.'
7. [1-4] 'Schleswig-Holstein provided some good farmland and fishing ports.'
8. [2-3] 'Austria was not as militarily strong as it used to be.'
9. [2-3] 'Von Roon and Moltke's reforms improved the Prussian army.'
10. [2-3] 'Bismarck outmanoeuvred Austria over Schleswig-Holstein.'
11. [2-3] 'Bismarck arranged France's neutrality.'
12. [2-3] 'The economic growth of Prussia gave it an advantage.'
13. [2-3] 'Bismarck made an agreement with Italy.'
14. [4-5] 'Von Roon and Moltke's military reforms made the Prussian army the most feared in Europe. The army was highly trained with excellent officers and it had the latest weaponry including heavy artillery. It could move rapidly making full use of the railway system. This meant it was superior to the Austrian forces.'
15. [6] Level 4 Explains TWO reasons (e.g., military reforms and Bismarck's diplomatic skill).
16. [2-3] 'Coal and iron were important.'
17. [2-3] 'Prussia's industrial towns produced the weapons of war.'
18. [2-3] 'There was a strong customs union.'
19. [2-3] 'Bismarck was an opportunist planner.'
20. [2-3] 'Bismarck funded the Prussian army.'
21. [2-3] 'Bismarck took advantage of the southern states' fear of France.'
22. [2-3] 'There was a strong sense of German nationalism.'
23. [4-6] 'Economic strength was very important as it enabled Prussia to be stronger militarily. The development of an integrated economy was important. This was aided by the Zollverein. In Prussia there was rapid industrial growth using the natural resources of coal and iron ore, and this stimulated economic growth. This industry also enabled the development of a railway system giving rapid mobilisation of troops and equipment. This financial strength and physical resources were of great value against Austria and France.'
24. [4-6] 'However, Bismarck's skill was important. Bismarck analysed the strengths and weaknesses of European countries and developed his foreign policy around this. He could have pressed for unification in 1866, but he believed that if Prussia absorbed too much territory at once, this would cause problems. Austria's defeat was followed by lenient treatment at the Treaty of Prague, thus ensuring neutrality if Prussia and France went to war.'
25. [7-9] Level 4 Explanation of both sides (A L4 answer will have a minimum of three explanations (2 on one side; 1 on the other). Fuller explanation of one issue to be given two marks. An answer which only has one explanation on one side of the argument cannot be awarded more than 8.)
26. [10] Level 5 Explains with evaluation of 'how far' (As Level 4 plus evaluation.)