51.] We see a quite different development under the reign of Frederick William III., beginning with the year of weakness 1805, of which our nation cannot be too often reminded.
It was manifest that war with Napoleon could not permanently be avoided.
Nevertheless, in spite of the French breach of neutrality, the Prussian Government could not make up its mind to hurry to the help of the allied Russians and Austrians, but tried to maintain peace, though at a great moral cost.

According to all human calculation, the participation of Prussia in the war of 1805 would have given the Allies a decisive superiority.

The adherence to neutrality led to the crash of 1806, and would have meant the final overthrow of Prussia as a State had not the moral qualities still existed there which Frederick the Great had ingrained on her by his wars.

At the darkest moment of defeat they shone most brightly.

In spite of the political downfall, the effects of Frederick's victories kept that spirit alive with which he had inspired his State and his people.