As with the motivations behind the unification of most modern nations, the unification of Germany in 1871 can be attributed to many varied causes, of which the following three must be said to be among the most important. The populist forces of nationalism and liberalism, the military conquests of Prussia and its territories and lastly the economic, commercial and industrial benefits that it brought to the entire country.
<Tab/>
The ideas of nationalism and liberalism were essential in the stimulation of the middle and lower classes of society towards the goal of unification.…
