Schleswig-Holstein—Bismarck—War with Austria—Königgrätz
[CHAPTER XI.]
Napoleon III.—War with France—Germans in Paris—William crowned German Emperor at Versailles
[CHAPTER XII.]
Death of Emperor William—Death of Frederick—William II. Emperor—His Policy—Situation in Europe
EVOLUTION OF AN EMPIRE.
CHAPTER I.
Foundation building is neither picturesque nor especially interesting, but it is indispensable. However fair the structure is to be, one must first lay the rough-hewn stones upon which it is to rest. It would be much pleasanter in this sketch to display at once the minarets and towers, and stained-glass windows; but that can only be done when one's castle is in Spain.
Would we comprehend the Germany of to-day, we must hold firmly in our minds an epitome of what it has been, and see vividly the devious path of its development through the ages.