Inland navigation has been important for international trade and economy for centuries. In Western Europe, the Rhine functioned as a role model being the first river for whose regulation steps in integration were taken. International negotiations offered the possibility to solve problems and standards could guarantee a smooth international shipping. This book investigates inland navigation on the Rhine in a historical perspective for the first time. Case studies look at the polity, politics and policy of standardisation. The comparison of integration in the mid 19th and mid 20th century reveals many differences as well as parallels. This book addresses historians interested in international relations, economy, transport and politics.