Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Economic Obstacles: The German states had numerous tariff barriers between them, making trade costly and slow. There were over thirty different currencies in circulation, which complicated transactions and hindered the free movement of goods, people, and capital. Commercial classes viewed these as major obstacles to economic growth.

Role of Zollverein (1834): Formed at Prussia's initiative and joined by most German states, the Zollverein abolished these tariff barriers and reduced currencies from over thirty to two. A network of railways further stimulated mobility. This wave of economic nationalism strengthened broader nationalist sentiments, linking economic interests to national unification.

Source: Chapter 1, Section 2.3 – A New Conservatism after 1815

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• 3 marks = ~3 clear points: obstacles (tariffs + multiple currencies) + how Zollverein solved them + broader impact (railways/nationalism).
• Examiners expect you to name Prussia as the initiator and mention abolition of tariffs and currency reduction specifically — these are the textbook facts.
• The phrase "harnessing economic interests to national unification" is the textbook's own conclusion and signals a complete answer.
• Avoid padding — state each point once, clearly.