whole got a very imperfect notion of German history. It missed the main lines. It is thus obvious that no man could ever achieve any real enthusiasm for the nation in such a fashion.
No one knew how to represent the really important men of our nation to present-day scholars as glorious heroes, how to concentrate universal attention upon them, and so create a solid sentiment.
Since the Revolution made its entry into Germany and monarchical patriotism faded away of itself, the teaching of history has really pursued but one aim, that of mere acquisition of knowledge. The State, as it is now, has no use for national enthusiasm ; what it would like it will never get. There is but little chance of permanent resisting power in dynastic patriotism in an age governed by the principle of nationality, and even less of enthusiasm for a republic. For there can be no possible doubt that the German people would never have held out in the field for four and a half years if their motto had been “For the Republic”.