# German Customs Union (1834)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/1834-german-customs-union
Location: Prussia and German states
Categories: main-event

On 1 January 1834 the Zollverein, a customs union led by Prussia, came into effect. It abolished tariffs among most German states. Austria was excluded.

## Why it matters
It prepared economic and later political unification under Prussia.

Ruler at the time: [Frederick William III](https://germany-history.com/rulers/frederick-william-iii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – Zollverein](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zollverein)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – Zollverein](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Zollverein)