Economic effects of an early unified Germany?

  • Thread starter Deleted member 1487
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Deleted member 1487

Assuming that the Prussian king was willing to 'take a crown from the gutter' in 1848 and Germany was unified by popular demand, including Austria and Czechia, but excluding the rest of the Habsburg Empire that remains in under its monarchy, just as a separate, but allied state, what would that mean economically for Europe? Germany united early is a powerful state at the heart of Europe, perhaps requiring bribes to outsiders to allow (like giving Galicia to Russia). Would its industrialization progress differently? Would it be able to be an imperial power colonizing like the rest of Europe equally, rather than being a late comer? Would its early unified market allow it better penetration of foreign markets? Would its political system then be more advanced, perhaps enough to prevent it from starting a European war in the 20th century?
 
Many questions and hard to answer...

On the industrialisation one, certainly there will be differences. Lets call it Greater Germany, after "Großdeutsche Lösung", as aditional industrial areas. Namely the Czech lands. That is a big plus.
On the other hand, after 1871 Germany got the cash infusion from France that also Imo played an important role.

So it likely depeands on the later decades. If there is a short and succesfull tussel with France that also infuses cash? Could likely go even better then OTL.

On the other hand this Germany will have more trouble with minorities. So that has to be resolved. Not on the scale of A-H but still...


On the other hand you have just created a "monster in the middle" so France would imediatly need someone to counterbalance. But who? At that moment the Austro-German-Russian relations were good. And may remain so if the German state is less interested in the Balkans... but then a strong and stable Ottoman pressence may also be palateble.

On the other side you have the British. But would they be inclined to go against the "super block" of Austro-Germany and Russia? Or will they swallow their pride and cosy up to them?
 

Deleted member 1487

Franco-British reconciliation would pretty much be necessary if the Russo-Germans get together. However if the catalyst for German unification is a pro-democratic revolution would the Czar be willing to work with them?
 
That is a big question, yes.
My thoughts tend in the direction, that Prussia and Austria both had rather warm relations to the Tzar. So an imediate shift is unlikely. With time, yes the more democratic structures may be an irritant. But would that realy ultimatly hinder the relations?
In OTL the Franco-Russians had the same problem... and still got together.

And do not forget the probable impact of the Crimean War. If it still happens, and I see no reason why not, then the Franco-British relations towards Russia could sour considerably for some time. Because the Straits were still an important point for the British and France could see it as a chance to get on Londons good side.

But as said, a stable Ottoman Empire could also be a sought after partner for the Germans. They afaik had not yet the "Sick Man" stigma and sat prominently at the junktion of Europe and Asia.
 
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