Tremendous military power and highly developed diplomatic ability are
the two necessary elements to create friendly relations with her
neighbors. After the creation of the great German Empire in 1870, Prince
Bismarck succeeded in establishing and maintaining for Germany friendly
relations with the other great powers. It was his policy to acquire
colonies for Germany outside of Europe, and to carefully avoid any
territorial encroachments on the neighboring States. He sounded his
warning to his countrymen not to try to increase German territory at
the expense of Russian territory.
Germany's colonial acquisitions created a new era in her policy, and, if
I may be permitted to so express myself, changed completely the face of
the German Empire. The protection and development of her colonial
possessions and her commerce required a strong navy. England's
competition of the commerce controlled by Germany started the tremendous
growth of England's naval power, and gave Germany second place. Her
rivalry with England compelled Germany to increase her army, too, and we
observed how from a quiet, inoffensive, modest State Germany gradually
became very strong and endeavored to play the first violin in the
concert not only of all Europe, but also of the whole world.
Pages:
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481