The days of quiet culture and happiness are gone; and in their place has come a straining after ambitious aims which is a heavy drag even on the vitality of the Teutonic race.

Still, whether for good or for evil, the unification of Germany must stand out as the greatest event in the history of the Nineteenth Century.
NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION The statement on page 135 that service in the German army is compulsory for seven years, three in the field army and four in the reserve, applies to the cavalry and artillery only.

In the infantry the time of service is two years with the colours and five years in the reserve..