How was Germany unified?

Examine the process of German unification, focusing on key questions such as the reasons for the lack of unification between 1848 and 1850, Bismarck's role in defeating Austria in 1866, his influence in defeating France in 1870, and the extent of his responsibility for Germany's unification. Key topics include German nationalism, the Zollverein, the 1848 revolution in Prussia, the establishment and failure of the Frankfurt Parliament, the resurgence of Austrian influence in Germany by 1850, Bismarck's position as Prussian Minister-President, and his foreign policy leading up to 1871, which encompasses the Schleswig-Holstein issue, the Austro-Prussian War and its aftermath, relations with France, the Spanish Succession, the Franco-Prussian War, and the formation of the German Empire.