The ways of Providence in history—Christianity and the Germans— The Empire and the Papacy—Breach between the German World Empire and the revived spiritual power—Rise of the great States of Europe and political downfall of Germany after the Thirty Years' War—Rise of the Prussian State—The epoch of the Revolution and the War of Liberation—Intellectual supremacy of Germany—After the War of Liberation—Germany under William I. and Bismarck—Change in the conception of the State and the principle of nationality—New economic developments and the World Power of England—Rise of other World Powers— Socialism, and how to overcome it—German science and art— Internal disintegration of Germany and her latent strength
CHAPTER IV GERMANY'S HISTORICAL MISSION
Grounds of the intellectual supremacy of Germany—Germany's role
as spiritual and intellectual leader—Conquest of religious and
social obstacles—Inadequacy of our present political position—
To secure what we have won our first duty—Necessity of increasing
our political power—Necessity of colonial expansion—
Menace to our aspirations from hostile Powers
CHAPTER V WORLD POWER OR DOWNFALL
Points of view for judging of the political situation—The States of the
Triple Alliance—The political interests of France and Russia—
The Russo-French Alliance—The policy of Great Britain—
America and the rising World Powers of the Far East—The importance
of Turkey—Spain and the minor States of Europe—Perilous
position of Germany—World power or downfall—Increase
of political power: how to obtain it—German colonial
policy—The principle of the balance of power in Europe—Neutral
States—The principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs
of other States—Germany and the rules of international politics
—The foundations of our internal strength
CHAPTER VI THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ARMY FOR WAR
Its necessity—Its twofold aspect—The educational importance of military efficiency—Different military systems—Change in the nature of military efficiency due to the advance of civilization— Variety of methods of preparation for war—The armaments of minor States—The armaments of the Great Powers—Harmonious development of all elements of strength—Influence on armaments of different conceptions of the duties of the State—Permanent factors to be kept in sight in relation to military preparedness— Statecraft in this connection
CHAPTER VII THE CHARACTER OF OUR NEXT WAR
Our opponents—The French army—The military power of Russia—
The land forces of England—The military power of Germany and
Austria; of Italy—The Turkish army—The smaller Balkan States
—The Roumanian army—The armies of the lesser States of Central
Europe—Greece and Spain—The fleets of the principal naval
Powers—The enmity of France—The hostility of England—
Russia's probable behaviour in a war against Germany—The
military situation of Germany—Her isolation—What will be at
stake in our next war—Preparation for war