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One thing that's been on my mind lately for a possible TL is whether or not an earlier (by early, I mean turn of the nineteenth century, if not before) unification of something resembling a cohesive German state is plausible. What factors would need to be set in motion for this to happen? A technological breakthrough for some German state which tips the exigent balance of power? A gradual enervation of Austria? Who would be the facilitating state driving the unification--Bavaria, Prussia? Any suggestions?
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