WILHELM DER SIEGREICHE 
  
178 
PAGE 
11. 17. 
18. 
42. 1. 
2 
43. 3 
4 
44. 5. 
6 
45. 7 
8 
46. 9. 
10. 
11. 
recognition of his invaluable services on that memorable 
ay. 
The mies #of Austria having likewise been defeated, an 
armistice was arranged at Nikolsburg, which was soon. 
followed by the conclusion of peace. 
The extraordinary success of Prussia aroused the jealousy 
#0 f France. 
VII (pp. 42—5 1) 
Prussia's ascendency in consequence of the war of 1866 
induced France to look out for an opportunity to 
humiliate her. 
Whoever wishes to find an opportunity for quarrelling will 
soon find one. 
The indignation of the whole French nation was aroused 
by the Spaniards offering their throne to a prince cf 
Hohenzollern. 
The King of Prussia had no right to forbid the hereditary 
Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen the acceptance of 
the ofler. 
Prince Leopold on hearing of the danger of his involving 
the Fatherland in a war with Francc at once refused the 
acceptance of the Spanish throne. 
VWhen King William refused to consider the further demands 
of France in this matter, the French ambassador tock 
his departure and France declared war. 
JNot only Prussia but also Bavaria and the other South 
German states prepared for war. 
JNapoleon himself with his son Louis had arrived near 
Saarbrücken and placed himself at the head of the 
French army. 
The French to all appearance intended to make an attack, 
but they hesitated and gave the Germans time to get 
ready. 
When the French at last opened fire on Saarbrücken the 
small garrison withdrew after a short resistance, and 
eyen then Napoleon did not venture to advance on 
German territorty. 
King William made an appeal to the united German 
troops from bis headquarters at Mlayence, and a few days 
later Came news of the first victory at Weissenburg.