Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

In the 19th century, liberalism in the economic sphere stood for free markets and removal of state-imposed restrictions on trade.

Key aspects:

1. Freedom of markets: The new middle classes — industrialists, businessmen, and professionals — demanded an end to tariff barriers so goods could move freely.

1. Problem in German states: Napoleon's reorganisation created 39 states, each with its own currency and weights/measures. A merchant travelling from Hamburg to Nuremberg had to cross 11 customs barriers, paying ~5% duty at each, making trade extremely costly and time-consuming.

1. Zollverein (1834): Prussia formed a customs union joined by most German states. It abolished tariff barriers and reduced currencies from over thirty to two.

1. Role of railways: A network of railways stimulated mobility and further integrated the economic territory.

1. Outcome: This economic unification strengthened national sentiment and supported political unification.

Source: Chapter 1 — The Rise of Nationalism in Europe, Section 2.2 — What did Liberal Nationalism Stand for?

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• Examiners expect you to define economic liberalism, then illustrate with the German example (the 39 states, customs barriers, zollverein).
• Mention the Hamburg–Nuremberg merchant example — it is a textbook fact often directly asked.
• Link to zollverein 1834 and railways as outcomes.
• Avoid writing about political liberalism here; the question is specifically about the economic sphere.
• 5 marks = 5 clear points or a few tight paragraphs (~100–120 words). This answer fits that budget.