The decadent power of Sweden and the gradual dissolution of
Poland opened up extensive prospects; the superiority of France and
the distrustful friendship of Holland urged armed caution. From the
very first year, in which Elector Frederick William had been obliged
to take possession of his own fortresses by force and cunning, it was
evident that there on the outskirts of German territory a vigorous,
cautious, warlike government was indispensable for the safety of
Germany. And after the beginning of the French War in 1674, Europe
recognized that the crafty policy which proceeded from this obscure
corner was undertaking also the astonishing task of heroically
defending the western boundary of Germany against the superior forces
of the King of France.
There was perhaps also something remarkable in the racial character of
the Brandenburg people, in which princes and subjects shared alike.
Down to Frederick's time, the Prussian districts had given to Germany
relatively few scholars, writers, and artists. Even the passionate
zeal of the Reformation seemed to be subdued there. The people who
inhabited the border land, mostly of the Lower Saxon strain, with a
slight tinge of Slavic blood, were a tough, sturdy race, not specially
graceful in social manners, but with unusual keenness of understanding
and clearness of judgment. Those who lived in the capital had been
glib of tongue and ready to scoff from time immemorial: all were
capable of great exertions; industrious, persistent, and of enduring
strength.
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