The struggle against Napoleon was prepared for by the exile Stein, and war was first proclaimed by a professor.
Among the many influences that urged on the Czar to a war for the liberation of Prussia and Europe, not the least was that wielded at his Court in the latter half of 1812 by the staunch German patriot, Stein.

His heroic spirit never quailed, even in the darkest hour of Prussia's humiliation; and he now pointed out convincingly that the only sure means of overthrowing Napoleon was to raise Germany against him.

To remain on a tame defensive at Warsaw would be to court another French invasion in 1813.

The safety of Russia called for a pursuit of the French beyond the Elbe and a rally of the Germans against the man they detested.

The appeal struck home.