y strong
national feeling throughout the length and breadth of Germany, the
south Bavarian states, within a few days after France had declared
war, sided openly with Prussia. This combination proved too strong
for France, for it was superior not only in numbers and equipment,
but especially in leadership. The unified German armies won battle
after battle in quick succession and by September 2, Napoleon found
himself with a large army hopelessly surrounded in Sedan and was
forced to surrender. He was sent to Germany as a prisoner of war and
his downfall resulted in the end of the Second Napoleonic Empire and
the declaration of the Third French Republic.

The German armies immediately proceeded to the siege of Paris and on
January 8, 1871, the French capital had to capitulate. A few months
later, in May, France and Germany made peace, the former paying an
indemnity of $1,000,000,000 and ceding Alsace and a part of
Lorraine. In the meantime the unification of Germany had progressed
rapidly. Even before Paris had fallen, the German princes, headed by
the King of Bavaria, had offered to King William the presidency over
a new federation containing both the north and the south German
states. This federation was to be known as the German Empire and its
president as the German Emperor. On January 18, 1871, in the Hall of
Mirrors at Versailles King William accepted this offer, and was
proclaimed German Emperor.

It was quite natural that in the beginning the path of the newly
created German Empire should not be strewn exclusively with roses. At
the time of its formation, it is true, it had nothing to fear from
other nations. France which, in a way, may be considered at that time
as its only external enemy, had been beaten, and beaten in such a way
that it was clear that years would have to elapse before the new
republic would be in a position to undertake anything against Germany.
Indeed, a great many thoughtful people throughout the entire civilized
world were hoping that this period of recuperation through which
France was bound to pass would result in a gradual understanding
between Germany and France. The gulf which separated them immediately
after the Franco-Prussian War, to be sure, was wide; for the attitude
of the two peoples in regard to the taking over of Alsace-Lorraine was
widely different. The French felt that Germany had abused its power at
the moment of its victory to tear an integral part off the body
politic o