Since then, under the protection of wise tariffs, and in connection with the rapid growth of the German merchant navy, trade has marvellously increased.

Germany has become an industrial and trading nation; almost the whole of the growing increase of the population finds work and employment in this sphere.

Agriculture has more and more lost its leading position in the economic life of the people.

The artisan class has thus become a power in our State.

It is organized in trade unions, and has politically fallen under the influence of the international social democracy.