Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

The Zollverein (1834), initiated by Prussia, abolished tariff barriers among German states and reduced currencies from over thirty to two. This removed obstacles to trade and allowed free movement of goods, people, and capital, benefiting the commercial and middle classes.

Economic integration strengthened nationalist sentiment because shared economic interests created a sense of common identity. A network of railways further stimulated mobility across states. As people began to see themselves as part of one economic unit, a wave of economic nationalism merged with and reinforced wider political nationalist feelings.

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

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• Examiners look for two parts: (1) how Zollverein solved fragmentation, and (2) the link between economic integration and nationalism.
• Mention the specific facts: abolition of tariffs, reduction of currencies (30+ → 2), and the role of railways — these are direct textbook details that earn marks.
• The phrase "economic nationalism strengthened wider nationalist sentiments" is taken almost directly from the source — use it or paraphrase it clearly.
• Do not over-explain; at 3 marks, 60–80 words with two clear points is sufficient.