The best type of Prussian officer, to considerable learning he joined a high sense of duty founded on deep-rooted and simple religious faith.

The President of the Ministry had practically retired from political life and the Government had no longer a leader.

Roon's introduction was in fact the beginning of all the momentous events which were to follow.

But for him there would have been no conflict in the Parliament and Bismarck would never have become Minister.
At the beginning of 1860 the project of law embodying the proposals for army reform was laid before the Lower House.

It was ordered by them in accordance with the practice to be referred to a small Committee.
The proposals consisted of (a) an increase in the number of recruits to be raised each year, (b) a lengthening of the term of service with the colours, (c) an alteration in the relations of the Landwehr to the rest of the army.
The Committee appointed to consider these reforms accepted the first, but rejected the second and third.