German Confederation

The German Confederation was a loose association of German states formed in 1815 after the Congress of Vienna. It aimed to promote cooperation among the 39 member states, including major powers like Austria and Prussia, for mutual defense and political stability. Despite its intentions, the Confederation struggled with internal conflicts and ineffective leadership, leading to tensions between liberal nationalist movements and conservative rulers. It ultimately dissolved in 1866 after the Austro-Prussian War, paving the way for the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership, which was completed in 1871 with the establishment of the German Empire.