This might help explain one of the reasons why the Zimbers left Baden at the particular time they did.
From 1854 Wanted Men from Baden "The last revolution was quashed with the help of the Prussians, and the Prussians have remained very unpopular in Baden ever since.
Once Germany was united under Prussia, many from Baden didn't want their sons to go into the German/Prussian army and encouraged them to go abroad to escape conscription. These were the main causes of the two waves.
As far as I understand, before 1871, boys were registered at the age of 16 for possible military service. Potential recruits were drawn by lot. They had to report in December or January before their 21st birthday, for a medical. (In other words when they were 20 years old.)"
