In terms of economic factors, Prussia's economic prosperity and financial stability in the 1850s enabled it to become one of two states powerful enough to bring about the unification of Germany. By 1834, Prussia had established the zollverein, a German customs union that eliminated tolls on rivers and rivers, thus stimulating trade and adding prosperity to member states. Likewise, due to Bismarck's taxation used to reorganize the military, regardless of Parliament's opposition, this enabled Prussia to hold a strong military force, competent to defeat future rival European powers. Economic prosperity allowed the Prussian military to be able to afford technological advances machines, such as the breech-loading needle gun and superior network of railroads. These economic factors that sparked Prussia's financial prosperity and military strength led all other German states, except Austria, to join Prussia's customs union and look up to Prussia as the key to bringing about German unification.
The German constitution, the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), guarantees the right to own property, freedom of movement, free choice of occupation, freedom of association, and equality before the law. However, the constitution modified the operation of the unfettered free market by means of its “social market economy” (Soziale Marktwirtschaft). With a “safety net” of benefits—including health protection, unemployment and disability compensation, maternity and child-care provisions, job retraining, pensions, and many others—paid for by contributions from individuals, employers, and public funds, Germany has an economic order supported by most workers and businesses