On March 19, 1848, Frederick William IV was forced to announce the abolition of the censorship of publications and correspondences and issued diplomatic memoranda to the German States, calling for a meeting of the Confederation.
On March 23, Frederick William IV further proclaimed the incorporation of Prussia into Germany.
The hopes of Metternich, who advocated for the establishment of a Prussia-Austria-Russia Alliance, were shattered, and Prussia's diplomatic relations with Austria and Russia worsened dramatically.
If Germany was to become united, Austria was an obstacle that could not be circumvented. The most central issue was who would take the lead?
In terms of strength, Austria seemed to be just a tad stronger than Prussia; however, due to domestic issues, it did not hold an absolute advantage over Prussia; in terms of influence, Austria far surpassed Prussia.
