It is justifiable, moreover, not merely in such a case as our Civil War, in which a people fought for their own national integrity.
It was, I believe, justifiable, in the case of the two wars which preceded the formation of the modern German Empire.

These wars may, indeed, be considered as decisive instances.

Prussia did not drift into them, as we drifted into the Civil War.

They were deliberately provoked by Bismarck at a favorable moment, because they were necessary to the unification of the German people under Prussian leadership; and I do not hesitate to say that he can be justified in the assumption of this enormous responsibility.

The German national organization means increased security, happiness, and opportunity of development for the whole German people; and inasmuch as the selfish interests of Austria and France blocked the path, Bismarck had his sufficient warrant for a deliberately planned attack.