North German Confederation

The North German Confederation was a political organization established in 1867, uniting northern German states under Prussian leadership. It functioned as a loose alliance, coordinating defense, trade, and other policies while maintaining individual state sovereignty. Created after the Austro-Prussian War, it served as a precursor to the German Empire, which was officially formed in 1871. The Confederation helped modernize the region’s governance, promote commerce, and strengthen Prussia’s influence, setting the stage for the unification of Germany under Prussian dominance.