Case study of Upton Ltd Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Case study of Upton Ltd - Essay Example This is a situation where the interests of the family members are more likely to conflict with the interests of the business such as adherence to the objectives, plans and goals of the company. In this regard, it can be predicted that if there is significant conflict of interest within the company a programmed decision of closure of the restaurant or part of its business units can be made. Samantha who is the manager of the toy department is engaged with her studies which mean that she does not have adequate time to play her role within the Toy department which serves significant activities and processes within the restaurant. This means that the productivity of the Toy department will deteriorate as a result of poor management or absentee manager. This can be used to predict the closure of this department within a programmed decision framework. Furthermore disagreement between Samantha and Albert, her uncle, reveals that there is poor communication within the management team which i s as a result of age differences and opinion of managers on the best strategy of conducting business activities. It is argued that when the management team is unable to come into a consensus over decisions because of divergent views and interests, failure in effective decision making is likely to result (Simons 34). Therefore failure in decision making which represents an important function of the management team leads to programmed decision for closure of the restaurant. From the Upton Ltd case, it is notable that the promotion of employees to the top management positions is rarely based on qualifications. This is illustrated by the fact that Claude who was a chef was promoted directly into the manager position in the restaurant. The management team of a company must be equipped with adequate skills, knowledge and competencies which are required for effective management. Failure of a manager to exhibit these skills means that his or her managerial roles will not be effective and as a result translating into business failure (Gorry and Morton 27). In this regard therefore the lack of qualifications among some managers within Upton Ltd can be argued to be a reflection of a predictable business failure and as a result reaching a programmed decision for the closure of the restaurant. Lack of the stock control system within Upton Ltd demonstrates a looming failure in the business processes of the restaurant which can be used to make a programmed decision for closure is nothing is done soon to solve the problem. This problem within the restaurant is further revealed by the fact that storage of stock is largely inadequate and ineffective. In addition, it is notable from the case study that the equipment that is used within the restaurant is old and rarely maintained. Inappropriate equipment within a business entity is said to be the main cause of business process inefficiency which would lead to possible discontinuity of business processes (Gorry and Morton 31). It is therefore reflective from the case study that the restaurant faces a risk of losing business continuity which makes a programmed decision for closure a reality in the Upton Ltd case. Customer service is inefficient within the restaurant as reflected by the fact th

A Place That Is Important to Me Essay Example for Free

A Place That Is Important to Me Essay I have lived in Bunbury for 15years. My family has occupied the house in which I live for 10years. I have two sisters and two brothers. I am the middle child. I have always felt that my home has been an important place to me. I have countless memories held within these walls, and almost all of them are positive. Home to me, has always been the roof above my head. Recently though, when my elder sister moved out, I have been lost by what home truly means. If I no longer feel a sense of home under my roof, then where is my home? I try to answer this by thinking about the places that are important to me. As I do this I come to the realization that there is no one particular location that screams of an overwhelming importance to me. I have a myriad list of locations that I have felt some form of emotional connection with. But does this mean that all these places are a home to me? Where is my home? Important places to me are those that you don’t think you could live without. When I think of a soccer field, a dancing stage, or a couch to simply lie and have movie marathons on, I don’t think about the location, I think about the people involved in the memories created there. These places are important to me, not because they themselves are important, but because of the amazing memories I have experienced there. So if I were asked if I could live without these places, I would say no. But does that make them all a home to me? And if not, where is my home? Maybe home truly is where the heart is. A phrase I have always thought to be corny, but now however I see some form of factual meaning behind. Home to me is all about that sense of security and love. Knowing that you are wanted. So does this feeling necessarily have to come from a particular location? Could it not be found simply by doing something, or being with someone? And if home can really not be about the walls around you, where is my home? I try to think about when I’ve been my happiest, my safest, when I’ve felt unbelievably accepted and appreciated. I can only here say with complete honesty that I think of my sister. I think of all the fun and laughs we’ve had together. I think about how I feel every time I get to see her, and how I feel every time I have to say goodbye. I’ve come to realize that without her ever-bubbly presence in my life I have changed a lot. I believe that we, as humans, never purposefully change. We simply adjust to new things, and without realizing it we find new people to help us breathe. These people fill me with the utmost joy and security. These people are my home. An important place to me is my home. To have that sense of belonging, and know that there is always someone there to take care of you. That is my home. I have learnt how to cope without my sister, even though it proves hard at times, I have learnt to cope. For as hard as it is to know that she’s not around, I know other people will be. And that’s all I need. That sense of place, to know that no matter where I am or who I’m with, I am loved for myself. That’s what’s important.

Theme and Setting in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness :: Heart Darkness essays

Theme and Setting in Heart of Darkness Heart of Darkness is a novella that is one story being told by Marlow within the actual story by Joseph Conrad. The novella is set on a boat, the Nellie, on the Thames river in England, but the story that Marlow tells is set in the Belgian Congo. When relating the theme of this novella to the setting it has to be looked at from both the Thames and Congo rivers. Heart of Darkness shows the superiority of whites over blacks in a context where the blacks are considered to be savages and whites are supposed to be civilized. Marlow is telling the story to his friends in the dark of night on the Thames river. As he begins the day is just ending "in a serenity of still and exquisite brilliance." It is a very sombre and dull atmosphere and as the calmness begins to fade it becomes more profound. At one point Marlow stops and is interrupted by the unknown narrator who describes the setting on the Nellie. "It had become so pitch dark that we listeners could hardly see one another. For a long time already he, sitting apart, had been no more to us than a voice....I listened, I listened on the watch for the sentence, for the word, that would give me the clew to the faint uneasiness inspired by this narrative that seemed to shape itself without human lips in the heavy nightair of the river." As the story ends the setting on the Thames river is once again described by the unseen narrator. "The offing was barred by a black bank of clouds, and the tranquil waterway leading to the uttermost ends of the earth flowed somber under an overcast sky-seemed to lead into the heart of an immense darkness." The superiority of whites over blacks in the novella faces the harsh reality that the whites are there not to colonize the Congo but to conquer it. As Marlow puts it "They were no colonists; their administration was merely a squeeze, and nothing more, I suspect. They were conquerors, and for that you want only brute force-nothing to boast of, when you have it, since your strength is just an accident arising from the weakness of others. Theme and Setting in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness :: Heart Darkness essays Theme and Setting in Heart of Darkness Heart of Darkness is a novella that is one story being told by Marlow within the actual story by Joseph Conrad. The novella is set on a boat, the Nellie, on the Thames river in England, but the story that Marlow tells is set in the Belgian Congo. When relating the theme of this novella to the setting it has to be looked at from both the Thames and Congo rivers. Heart of Darkness shows the superiority of whites over blacks in a context where the blacks are considered to be savages and whites are supposed to be civilized. Marlow is telling the story to his friends in the dark of night on the Thames river. As he begins the day is just ending "in a serenity of still and exquisite brilliance." It is a very sombre and dull atmosphere and as the calmness begins to fade it becomes more profound. At one point Marlow stops and is interrupted by the unknown narrator who describes the setting on the Nellie. "It had become so pitch dark that we listeners could hardly see one another. For a long time already he, sitting apart, had been no more to us than a voice....I listened, I listened on the watch for the sentence, for the word, that would give me the clew to the faint uneasiness inspired by this narrative that seemed to shape itself without human lips in the heavy nightair of the river." As the story ends the setting on the Thames river is once again described by the unseen narrator. "The offing was barred by a black bank of clouds, and the tranquil waterway leading to the uttermost ends of the earth flowed somber under an overcast sky-seemed to lead into the heart of an immense darkness." The superiority of whites over blacks in the novella faces the harsh reality that the whites are there not to colonize the Congo but to conquer it. As Marlow puts it "They were no colonists; their administration was merely a squeeze, and nothing more, I suspect. They were conquerors, and for that you want only brute force-nothing to boast of, when you have it, since your strength is just an accident arising from the weakness of others.

Database: Design, Create, Populate, and Test

To achieve the criteria the evidence must show that the learner is able to: Task No. Evidence Create and populate a database [SMS] 3 Import data from an external source Create features in data entry forms to ensure validity and integrity of data Perform queries using multiple tables and multiple criteria VI Export data to an external source Include an advanced feature in a database design Implement an automated function Test a relational database [SMS, RL] Discuss how potential errors in the design and construction of a database can be avoided [III] 4 Evaluate a database against the specified user needLearner Declaration certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own. I have clearly referenced any sources used in the work. I understand that false declaration is a form of malpractice. Learner Signature: Title Date: Assignment Design, create, populate and describe the features of a relational database. Purpose of this assignment The aim of this unit is to enable students to understand the features of relational databases and develop the necessary skills to design, create, populate and test a relational database incorporating advanced features. Task 3 – ScenarioImplement the database design from task 2 in Microsoft Office Access Task 3: 3. 1 Implement the database design from task 2 in Microsoft Office Access by creating at least five tables. Create all the tables as identified in your data model Set up relationships and enforce referential integrity to allow cascade updating and deletion of linked records Populate tables with valid and sensible test data Export all table definitions to a Word document This Provides evidence for CPA] 3. 2 Create test data in a spreadsheet and import into the relevant tables. You will need to document each step of this processThis Provides evidence for [MM] 3. 3 Design and implement all the forms (including at least one sub-form) that have been outlined in the Requirements Specification (see task 2 in the Syst ems Analysis and Design assignment). A consistent of style must be used in order to create a professional mage to allow users to interact with the system. Your implementation must include at least three features for ensuring data validity. Demonstrate and explain your forms to your tutor who will provide a witness statement confirming your success. This Provides evidence for CPA] 3. 4Perform three different types of queries using multiple tables and multiple criteria to search and sort data that are required from the output requirements (see task 2 in the Systems Analysis and Design assignment). Demonstrate and explain your queries to your tutor who will provide a witness statement confirming your success. This Provides evidence for [UP] 3. 5 Export the results of a query to another application. This Provides evidence for [MM] 3. 6 Design and implement all the reports that have been outlined in the requirements taking care to ensure consistency in line with your form designs.Create a â€Å"Main Menu† form as detailed in the requirements and implement at least one advanced feature. This Provides evidence for [MM] 3. 7 Demonstrate and explain the process to your tutor who will provide a witness Implement at least one automated feature from the list below: Macro Scripts program code This Provides evidence for [AS] 3. 8 Once you have completed the database, you will need to make sure that the database is working correctly. You are required to create a test plan that tests the main database functionality. Any test failures should be corrected and annotated using screen shots in a est. log.

“Assess the main reasons for the Unification of Germany in 1871”

In 1862, Bismarck said that ‘the great questions of the day will be settled by blood and iron. ’ Although there is undoubtedly some degree of accuracy in this statement, the most important reason for the unification of Germany, which ended ‘the great questions of the day,’ was ‘coal and iron. ’ This is a quote from British economist John Maynard Keynes, who argued that the industrial and economic preparation before the wars, which united Germany, were more important. This is because the economic strength created by the rapid industrialisation enabled the creation of a powerful Prussia.It was under this powerful Prussia, with some skilful diplomacy and opportunism, that Germany was successfully united in the wars of German Unification. Without such economic development and prosperity, it is questionable whether Germany would have been united by 1871. On the other hand we must also consider the other factors and thus must address five key areas. T he first of these is the growing strength of Prussia in relation to Austria and closely linked to this is the economic developments within Prussia.On a much larger scale we must also take into account the strength of nationalism and the international situation of the 1860s. Lastly, we must consider whether the policies and strategies of Otto Von Bismarck, the Minister-President of Prussia from 1862 had a major impact on the Unification of Germany in 1871, nevertheless we are justified by saying that the main reason for the unification of Germany in 1871 was due to the economic prowess of Prussia in relation to other foreign nations such as Austria.â€Å"When the army has been brought into such a state as to command respect, then I shall take the first opportunity to declare war on Austria, burst asunder the German Confederation, bring the middle and smaller states into subjugation and give Germany a national union under Prussian leadership. † These views clearly voiced out th e long-term ambitions that Bismarck had for Prussia. Bismarck believed that he was able to shape the country and steer it to a position where it would lead the other German states. Bismarck’s exploits from the above statement shows that he greatly influenced the unification of Germany.He realised that a †man could not create the current of events† but â€Å"only float and steer it†, it was here that his true potential as a charismatic politician could be seen. As the brilliant opportunist he was, he completely outplayed the Austrians. Bismarck managed to cultivate a close relationship with Russia against Austria in 1863. This was made possible due to the Austrian’s error of not coming to the aid of the Russians during the Crimean War in 1852 thus an Austro- Russian alliance 10 years later would be unlikely to form as there was still great resentment between the two nations.Also it meant that Prussia would have a greater force backing them up. The fol lowing year he weakens Austria further after allying with them, as they were forced to maintain an army in the Northern region of Schleswig-Holstein. It is clear to see from this that Bismarck had a tendency to pick a quarrel with the opposition and create tension beneath the surface. If Austria did not mobilise an army there Prussia would have been free to annex this state and phenomenally increase the number of resources and territory gained.On the other hand as this ultimately enabled victory at Koniggratz to be much more achievable as fewer Austrian troops were present to defend their homeland. In 1865 he again impeded Austria from making a potential ally with France by giving them rewards in terms of land and resources. This would also ensure that France would remain neutral if Prussia declared war on Austria. His next final stroke of strategic genius can be seen with the Italian alliance in 1866. By the alliance with Italy, Bismarck contrived to divert part of the Austrian for ces to the south.This advantage with addition with that of Prussia’s modernised army discipline resulted in a Prussian victory on August 23rd 1866. Its victory enabled the North German Confederation to be formed. We can see that Bismarck held great political prowess and having considered the action he took, we are justified in saying that Bismarck’s role in the unification of Germany was a very important factor but not the main reason for Germany’s unification in 1871. Another factor which must be taken into account is the inevitability of Prussia’s rise to power and her military’s exponential growth in power.In 1815 unbeknown to Prussia, the major powers after defeating Napoleon split the French Empire and gave the Kingdom of Westphalia to Prussia thinking that it was useless bit of land however in reality they were handing over the richest material deposits in Europe. The abundant reserves as soon as they were discovered were being extracted an a larming rate transforming Prussia, currently a country short of territory and power into the most dominant and richest nation in the whole of Europe. Helmuth von Moltke based on this new found wealth gave him the means by which to modernise the army.Bismarck greatly advocated the support as he believed that â€Å"It is not by speeches and majority that the great questions of our time are decided, it is by blood and iron†. The newly reformed Prussian army revolutionised by Moltke â€Å"attained a level of military efficiency that the other European armies could only dream of† This strength was pivotal during the three was of unification as it allowed Bismarck to dictate the battle as well as the following treaties and agreements. Its highlight came however, at the Battle of Koniggratz where the Prussian army defeated Austrian forces inflicting many casualties.Indeed it was Bismarck who led the army reforms and it also shows that he delayed going to war with Austria to m ake sure victory was ascertained however without the overpowering economy which Prussia had she would never have been able to modernise the army to such an extent as well manage the costs of three wars so we are justified saying that Prussian economy was more influential to the unification of Germany than the military however we must also remember that without a strong military force Prussia would not have been able to win the wars that ensured the unification of Germany to take place.It was not only the rich mineral reserves that were economically benefitting Prussia. The creation of the zollverein in 1834 was the first step towards a united German customs union, fore fronted by Prussia. Although the smaller states greatly benefitted by being part of the Zollverein due to the abolishment of internal tariffs and they also became dependant on Prussia in maintaining the system.As well as this it may have not impacted unification as its economic benefits focused countries on the intern al benefits rather than leading them to merge into a single German state but certainly by giving Germany an identity, and a commonality with regards to businesses and the economy. It was seen as â€Å"binding together the limbs of Germany†. This concept was re-enforced with the development of railways throughout the Zollverein. This made transport and trade much easier but also brought the states together as people could easily travel across it visiting regions previously inaccessible.Compared to the impact of Bismarck however the economic advantages of Prussia play a major role in the unification of Germany in 1871. The economic advantages were enhanced as â€Å"Austria had not only had many chronic financial problems, it also lagged well behind Prussia in economic developments. It clear to see that without the economic power Prussia had in the 1850s and later, many businesses and the military would not have been able to become modernized and much stronger. It was only beca use of this newly made fighting force that Prussia was capable of inflicting the crushing defeat at Koniggratz.However it also helped Prussia to politically influence and dominate the other smaller German states as well as become a major authoritative nation within Europe. Thus it can be justified that â€Å"coal and iron† was the most important reason for the unification of Germany in 1871. Synonymous with the economic developments were the international circumstances of the 1860s which played a role in the unification of Germany. Austria’s decision to remain neutral during the Crimean War from 1853 to 1856 meant that that they lost the support of Russia in the future .Because of this no one could no longer continue to dictate over Prussia. As well as this, the Austro-Franco war of 1859 to 1860 led to the Italian Unification. This had two major impacts on the unification of Germany. The first was that it cultivated and spurred nationalism in surrounding European count ries. It even led to a pressure group being set up in Prussia the same year. More relevant to Prussia’s dominance however was the Austrian loss of Lombardy. Due to this loss of a very rich state, the Austrian government was forced to make constitutional concessions to the liberals within the country.Also the seeds of war between Prussia and Austria had been sown after Olmutz where Prussia were forced to say that the Erfurt Union will not be made and that the Diet under Austrian presidency will remain also Prussia had to firstly demobilise completely while Austria will secondly partially demobilise. This was a great humiliation for the Prussians and the resentment created by this caused the tensions between the two nations to rise. The final international factor is that of Napoleon III. In a bid to emulate his uncle he engaged himself with international politics as much as he could.Napoleon met Bismarck at Barritz where he confirmed French neutrality, in return for land reward s. This had a great impact as it meant that Prussia could advance without the threat of invasion from France. Although the Napoleon declared war on Prussia five years later in 1870 however by that time the Prussians had a strong enough army to repel these forces without much bloodshed. Bismarck calculated Napoleon’s greed and ego accurately and used this to his advantage. If this was not done there is a great likelihood that France would have declared war on Prussia and as soon as they did that Austria would have joined as well.Even though Prussia had the greatest military prowess of the three nations the sheer scale of the attack would have overwhelmed Prussia and it would lead to Austria being in such a position that unification of Germany would not have been possible. However we must also that their political position within Europe was promoted by their boosting economy and the grouping of the lesser states under Prussian authority so it is fair to say that the internation al circumstances of the 1860s came about from political and military dominance within Europe which were influenced by the booming economic situation in Prussia at the time.The final factor contributing to the unification of Germany is the strength of nationalism. This was enhanced by the 1848 revolutions and saw liberals rise up in Prussia. Their quest for a united Germany was stopped midway due to food shortages the following economic depression and the resulting lack of support. With the loss of their power base the revolutions failed horribly. We are therefore justified in saying that although support for nationalism did play a part in the unification of Germany it was not the deciding factor .In order for nationalism as an ideology to be spread as across the states a top down revolution was needed. Nationalistic individuals wanted the uniting of all German states, all German volk coming together and the Zollverein, the customs trade union was the shadow of the Germany formed in 1871and thus we are justified by saying that the economic policies of Prussia was pivotal in bring the people together under a single united state and were more important than the strength of nationalism.Overall we are justified in saying that the main reason for the unification of Germany in 1871 was the booming Prussian economy. There is a strong case arguing that the skilful diplomacy and power politics of Otto Von Bismarck led directly towards German unification. However this said Bismarck was only able to the Army Reform Bill in 1861 because the economy had provided sufficient revenue for him to do so. If Bismarck had not pumped money into reforming the army then it would not have been able to achieve such a great force which helped Prussia win the three wars of unification.Also the Zollverein plays a major role in the unification of Germany as helped all the states boost their economy under a Prussian leadership also the outline of the Zollverein is exactly the same outline Ge rmany was when all the states finally united in 1871, it was at this point that the ideology of nationalism prevailed as it managed bring all German speaking people together. With these reasons I believe that the Prussian economy was the most important factor for the unification of Germany. Assess the Main Reasons for the Unification of Germany in 1871 In 1862, Bismarck said that ‘the great questions of the day will be settled by blood and iron. ’ Although there is undoubtedly some degree of accuracy in this statement, the most important reason for the unification of Germany, which ended ‘the great questions of the day,’ was ‘coal and iron. ’ This is a quote from British economist John Maynard Keynes, who argued that the industrial and economic preparation before the wars, which united Germany, were more important. This is because the economic strength created by the rapid industrialisation enabled the creation of a powerful Prussia.It was under this powerful Prussia, with some skilful diplomacy and opportunism, that Germany was successfully united in the wars of German Unification. Without such economic development and prosperity, it is questionable whether Germany would have been united by 1871. On the other hand we must also consider the other factors and thus must address five key areas. T he first of these is the growing strength of Prussia in relation to Austria and closely linked to this is the economic developments within Prussia.On a much larger scale we must also take into account the strength of nationalism and the international situation of the 1860s. Lastly, we must consider whether the policies and strategies of Otto Von Bismarck, the Minister-President of Prussia from 1862 had a major impact on the Unification of Germany in 1871, nevertheless we are justified by saying that the main reason for the unification of Germany in 1871 was due to the economic prowess of Prussia in relation to other foreign nations such as Austria.â€Å"When the army has been brought into such a state as to command respect, then I shall take the first opportunity to declare war on Austria, burst asunder the German Confederation, bring the middle and smaller states into subjugation and give Germany a national union under Prussian leadership. † These views clearly voiced out th e long-term ambitions that Bismarck had for Prussia. Bismarck believed that he was able to shape the country and steer it to a position where it would lead the other German states. Bismarck’s exploits from the above statement shows that he greatly influenced the unification of Germany.He realised that a †man could not create the current of events† but â€Å"only float and steer it†, it was here that his true potential as a charismatic politician could be seen. As the brilliant opportunist he was, he completely outplayed the Austrians. Bismarck managed to cultivate a close relationship with Russia against Austria in 1863. This was made possible due to the Austrian’s error of not coming to the aid of the Russians during the Crimean War in 1852 thus an Austro- Russian alliance 10 years later would be unlikely to form as there was still great resentment between the two nations.Also it meant that Prussia would have a greater force backing them up. The fol lowing year he weakens Austria further after allying with them, as they were forced to maintain an army in the Northern region of Schleswig-Holstein. It is clear to see from this that Bismarck had a tendency to pick a quarrel with the opposition and create tension beneath the surface. If Austria did not mobilise an army there Prussia would have been free to annex this state and phenomenally increase the number of resources and territory gained.On the other hand as this ultimately enabled victory at Koniggratz to be much more achievable as fewer Austrian troops were present to defend their homeland. In 1865 he again impeded Austria from making a potential ally with France by giving them rewards in terms of land and resources. This would also ensure that France would remain neutral if Prussia declared war on Austria. His next final stroke of strategic genius can be seen with the Italian alliance in 1866. By the alliance with Italy, Bismarck contrived to divert part of the Austrian for ces to the south.This advantage with addition with that of Prussia’s modernised army discipline resulted in a Prussian victory on August 23rd 1866. Its victory enabled the North German Confederation to be formed. We can see that Bismarck held great political prowess and having considered the action he took, we are justified in saying that Bismarck’s role in the unification of Germany was a very important factor but not the main reason for Germany’s unification in 1871. Another factor which must be taken into account is the inevitability of Prussia’s rise to power and her military’s exponential growth in power.In 1815 unbeknown to Prussia, the major powers after defeating Napoleon split the French Empire and gave the Kingdom of Westphalia to Prussia thinking that it was useless bit of land however in reality they were handing over the richest material deposits in Europe. The abundant reserves as soon as they were discovered were being extracted an a larming rate transforming Prussia, currently a country short of territory and power into the most dominant and richest nation in the whole of Europe. Helmuth von Moltke based on this new found wealth gave him the means by which to modernise the army.Bismarck greatly advocated the support as he believed that â€Å"It is not by speeches and majority that the great questions of our time are decided, it is by blood and iron†. The newly reformed Prussian army revolutionised by Moltke â€Å"attained a level of military efficiency that the other European armies could only dream of† This strength was pivotal during the three was of unification as it allowed Bismarck to dictate the battle as well as the following treaties and agreements. Its highlight came however, at the Battle of Koniggratz where the Prussian army defeated Austrian forces inflicting many casualties.Indeed it was Bismarck who led the army reforms and it also shows that he delayed going to war with Austria to m ake sure victory was ascertained however without the overpowering economy which Prussia had she would never have been able to modernise the army to such an extent as well manage the costs of three wars so we are justified saying that Prussian economy was more influential to the unification of Germany than the military however we must also remember that without a strong military force Prussia would not have been able to win the wars that ensured the unification of Germany to take place.It was not only the rich mineral reserves that were economically benefitting Prussia. The creation of the zollverein in 1834 was the first step towards a united German customs union, fore fronted by Prussia. Although the smaller states greatly benefitted by being part of the Zollverein due to the abolishment of internal tariffs and they also became dependant on Prussia in maintaining the system.As well as this it may have not impacted unification as its economic benefits focused countries on the intern al benefits rather than leading them to merge into a single German state but certainly by giving Germany an identity, and a commonality with regards to businesses and the economy. It was seen as â€Å"binding together the limbs of Germany†. This concept was re-enforced with the development of railways throughout the Zollverein. This made transport and trade much easier but also brought the states together as people could easily travel across it visiting regions previously inaccessible.Compared to the impact of Bismarck however the economic advantages of Prussia play a major role in the unification of Germany in 1871. The economic advantages were enhanced as â€Å"Austria had not only had many chronic financial problems, it also lagged well behind Prussia in economic developments. It clear to see that without the economic power Prussia had in the 1850s and later, many businesses and the military would not have been able to become modernized and much stronger. It was only beca use of this newly made fighting force that Prussia was capable of inflicting the crushing defeat at Koniggratz.However it also helped Prussia to politically influence and dominate the other smaller German states as well as become a major authoritative nation within Europe. Thus it can be justified that â€Å"coal and iron† was the most important reason for the unification of Germany in 1871. Synonymous with the economic developments were the international circumstances of the 1860s which played a role in the unification of Germany. Austria’s decision to remain neutral during the Crimean War from 1853 to 1856 meant that that they lost the support of Russia in the future .Because of this no one could no longer continue to dictate over Prussia. As well as this, the Austro-Franco war of 1859 to 1860 led to the Italian Unification. This had two major impacts on the unification of Germany. The first was that it cultivated and spurred nationalism in surrounding European count ries. It even led to a pressure group being set up in Prussia the same year. More relevant to Prussia’s dominance however was the Austrian loss of Lombardy. Due to this loss of a very rich state, the Austrian government was forced to make constitutional concessions to the liberals within the country.Also the seeds of war between Prussia and Austria had been sown after Olmutz where Prussia were forced to say that the Erfurt Union will not be made and that the Diet under Austrian presidency will remain also Prussia had to firstly demobilise completely while Austria will secondly partially demobilise. This was a great humiliation for the Prussians and the resentment created by this caused the tensions between the two nations to rise. The final international factor is that of Napoleon III. In a bid to emulate his uncle he engaged himself with international politics as much as he could.Napoleon met Bismarck at Barritz where he confirmed French neutrality, in return for land reward s. This had a great impact as it meant that Prussia could advance without the threat of invasion from France. Although the Napoleon declared war on Prussia five years later in 1870 however by that time the Prussians had a strong enough army to repel these forces without much bloodshed. Bismarck calculated Napoleon’s greed and ego accurately and used this to his advantage. If this was not done there is a great likelihood that France would have declared war on Prussia and as soon as they did that Austria would have joined as well.Even though Prussia had the greatest military prowess of the three nations the sheer scale of the attack would have overwhelmed Prussia and it would lead to Austria being in such a position that unification of Germany would not have been possible. However we must also that their political position within Europe was promoted by their boosting economy and the grouping of the lesser states under Prussian authority so it is fair to say that the internation al circumstances of the 1860s came about from political and military dominance within Europe which were influenced by the booming economic situation in Prussia at the time.The final factor contributing to the unification of Germany is the strength of nationalism. This was enhanced by the 1848 revolutions and saw liberals rise up in Prussia. Their quest for a united Germany was stopped midway due to food shortages the following economic depression and the resulting lack of support. With the loss of their power base the revolutions failed horribly. We are therefore justified in saying that although support for nationalism did play a part in the unification of Germany it was not the deciding factor .In order for nationalism as an ideology to be spread as across the states a top down revolution was needed. Nationalistic individuals wanted the uniting of all German states, all German volk coming together and the Zollverein, the customs trade union was the shadow of the Germany formed in 1871and thus we are justified by saying that the economic policies of Prussia was pivotal in bring the people together under a single united state and were more important than the strength of nationalism.Overall we are justified in saying that the main reason for the unification of Germany in 1871 was the booming Prussian economy. There is a strong case arguing that the skilful diplomacy and power politics of Otto Von Bismarck led directly towards German unification. However this said Bismarck was only able to the Army Reform Bill in 1861 because the economy had provided sufficient revenue for him to do so. If Bismarck had not pumped money into reforming the army then it would not have been able to achieve such a great force which helped Prussia win the three wars of unification.Also the Zollverein plays a major role in the unification of Germany as helped all the states boost their economy under a Prussian leadership also the outline of the Zollverein is exactly the same outline Ge rmany was when all the states finally united in 1871, it was at this point that the ideology of nationalism prevailed as it managed bring all German speaking people together. With these reasons I believe that the Prussian economy was the most important factor for the unification of Germany.