But war is also the only means of adding to a nation's territory the territory of other nations which they do not wish to sell or to give up--the robbers' only way to get more space or to get booty.
This last explains this war.

Every Hohenzollern (except the present Emperor's father, who reigned only a few months) since Frederick the Great has added to Prussian and German area of rule.

Every one, therefore, as he comes to the throne, feels an obligation to make his addition to the Empire.

For this the wars of Prussia with Austria, with Denmark, with France were brought on.

They succeeded and won the additions that old William I made to the Empire.