reasons for german unification decline of austria

Relations with Russia

Russia and Austria were allies; Russia helped Austria

overcome the 1848-49 revolutions.

During the 1850s Crimean War, Russia expected

Austrian support. Austria’s refusal destroyed the

countries’ relationship.

Politics and economics

Austria could do nothing to stop the

Nationalverein being set up, which campaigned in

the Bund for German unity.

Austria was also behind Prussian economically due

to a lack of natural resources.

Arguments for influence

If the Russians had supported Austria, it is less likely that Bismarck would

provoked war.

The weak Austrian economy also made it

harder for them to influence other states or

build a strong army.

Bismarck’s role

Bismarck benefited from the Zollverein and Austria

refusing to support Russia.

Bismarck allowed Russia to access Prussian land during a battle with Polish forces.

This also stopped him worrying about Poles in

German territory.

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