This is clearly seen in the quite different attitude of the Prussian people and the other Germans under the degrading yoke of the Napoleonic tyranny.

The power which had been acquired by the Prussians through long and glorious wars showed itself more valuable than all the material blessings which peace created; it was not to be broken down by the defeat of 1806, and rendered possible the heroic revival of 1813.
The German wars of Unification also belong to the category of wars which, in spite of a thousand sacrifices, bring forth a rich harvest.
The instability and political weakness which the Prussian Government showed in 1848, culminating in the disgrace of Olmuetz in 1850, had deeply shaken the political and national importance of Prussia.

On the other hand, the calm conscious strength with which she faced once more her duties as a nation, when King William I.and Bismarck were at the helm, was soon abundantly manifest.

Bismarck, by bringing about our wars of Unification in order to improve radically an untenable position and secure to our people healthy conditions of life, fulfilled the long-felt wish of the German people, and raised Germany to the undisputed rank of a first-class European Power.

The military successes and the political position won by the sword laid the foundation for an unparalleled material prosperity.