An evaluation of the obstacles to German unification, 1815-50

The Vienna Settlement in 1815 established a balance of power in Europe which aimed to prevent any dominant force within the continent, thus posing an obstacle to German unification.
The German Confederation consisting of 39 states was created by the Congress of Vienna, with Austria as the leading power, again suppressing the idea of a unified Germany.

The rivalry between Austria and Prussia, two dominant German states, served as a significant roadblock. They both sought to extend their influence over other German states, complicating the idea of unity.
Austria in particular was unsupportive of unification because it would mean a reduction in its influence over the other states of the German Confederation.
Prussia, while more modernised and potentially more supportive of unification, was still a feudal society under the rule of a conservative king.

Absence of nationalism among the general population led to the persistence of local loyalties and a lack of push for national unification, predominantly among the German elites and middle classes.
Difference in language, customs, and laws among the various states made it hard for citizens to identify as one nation. The cultural diversity created a barrier to unification.

Other European powers such as France and Russia did not want a united Germany as its creation would upset the balance of power.
Fear of a powerful united Germany led to external interventions to uphold the status quo, making unification more difficult.

Varying levels of economic development among German states made unification tricky. While states like Prussia had embraced industrialisation, others remained largely agricultural.
The introduction of the Prussian Customs Union (Zollverein) in 1834, although a step towards economic unity, created discontent among other German states, particularly Austria, as Prussia was the controlling power.

The German Confederation was run by conservative, autocratic rulers who resisted unification and other liberal, democratic ideas.
Strict censorship prevented the spread of nationalist and democratic ideas among the people.
Frequent suppression of revolutionary uprisings, like those in 1848, hindered the development of a unified national movement.