The War Between France and Prussia

Much is said today of military advancement under the Empire, especially of the soldier's gratitude towards the Emperor. This form of expression was very natural. We all thought we had a scepter in our scabbards. A soldier had become king. Everyone thought he might become one too. The new nobility was as greedy as the old. Had the Empire lasted ten more years, it would have been considered remarkable if a commoner had been named Colonel.