In the year 1858, there occurred a change which was destined to become a milestone in the history of Prussia and Germany. In that year, owing to the appearance of symptoms of insanity, Frederick William IV was replaced by his brother William as regent.
When Frederick William IV died in 1861, William became the King of Prussia and was known as William I. He was the son of the famous queen Louise. He was sixty-four at the time of his accession.
Like his ancestors, William I was also an autocrat, having faith in the ‘Divine Right of Kings’. He had no interest in the constitutional reforms. He was a man of firm determination and practical knowledge. He had the ability to select persons according to the necessity of time. In the words of eminent scholars:
“Though a reactionary he was loyal to engagement once made and he had the good sense to select the ministers of ability and give them steadfast support.”
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He was a Prussian first of all. He believed that it was only Prussia which could regenerate Germany. He was a staunch follower of the policy of militarism. His whole life had been spent in army.
He believed that the destiny of Prussia depended upon her army. Without having a competent army, Prussia could not be able to make Germany a nation.
He said in 1849, “Whoever wishes to rule Germany must conquer it, and that cannot be done by phrases.” According to him, the Prussian army was not up to the mark and it needed strengthening.
Just after his accession, William I decided to reorganise the army of Prussia. He appointed Roon as the Minister of War and Von Moltke as the Chief of the General Staff. With the efforts of these two veteran officers, the Prussian army could be reorganized and made powerful. In the words of Marriot:
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“These were the men who were responsible for the perfecting of that most effective of all fighting machines, the Prussian army, and they remained continuously in office until the final triumph was achieved in 1871.”