They ran primarily east and west to the Russian and French frontiers for military reasons; but never for attack, always for defense.

It was expected that France would revive and again seek to try issues with Germany.

In this she might possibly be assisted by Russia.

Hence the German plans were for defense against these two countries.
As Germany developed in industry, the military caste receded relatively.
Bankers, merchants, shippers, and traders came to the front.

Railways bent the traffic of the country to the sea, and harbors and ports of commerce grew with rapid strides.
"What a wonderful business man is the German Emperor!" said the world.
"He advertises Germany all over the earth by the spiked helmet and the rattle of his sword, but never war seeks he." The world must now revise this opinion.
German unity gave rise to German efficiency and German thoroughness, and to a demand for a larger German unity.