ABSTRACT
The role of Prussia in Germ any was not one-sided but reciprocal. If Prussia Borrussified Germany, Germ any Germanized Prussia. ‘Prussia is more in need of G erm anization than Germany is in need of Borrussification . . . In view of the obligations we have tow ards the Reich I consider it . . . a duty first to aim at the strengthening of the power of the Reich, rather than of a greater Prussia.’ These words of Bismarck’s both summarize his attitude and indicate the severity of the struggle he had with the Prussian Conservatives.
