What were the Reasons for Prussian Growth by 1862?

Bismarck Course Essay- "evaluate the reasons for the growth of Prussia's influence in Germany by 1862"
In 1815 there was no such thing as a German State or Nation. In the geographical area known as Germany the most powerful state was Austria which was the biggest factor in the increase of Prussia's influence by 1862. Prussia was the second most powerful state but she was far behind Austria politically and economically. In 1815 the Austrian foreign minister Metternich made a big mistake by giving Prussia the area of Westphalia and the Rhineland. Prussia was also given parts of Silesia. …