The German nation, which was much excited and thought little of the precise terms of treaties, wished to defend the right; Bismarck knew that in this matter the Prussian claim could not be supported; moreover, even if he had wished to go to war with France he was not ready; for some time must elapse before the army of the North German Confederation could be reorganised on the Prussian model.

He therefore preserved the peace and the matter was settled by a European Congress.

In the summer of 1867, he visited Paris with the King; externally the good relations between the two States were restored, but it was in reality only an armed peace.
It is difficult to decipher Napoleon's wishes; he seems to have believed that war was inevitable; there is no proof that he desired it.

He made preparations; the army was reorganised, the numbers increased, and a new weapon introduced.

At the same time he looked about for allies.
Negotiations were carried on with Austria; in 1868 a meeting was arranged between the two Emperors; Beust, who was now Chancellor of the Austrian Empire, was anxious to make an attempt to overthrow the power of Prussia in Germany.