“This forward surge of socialism that is manifesting itself among you could lead to a decisive conflict, in which you will secure the first victories. The revolutionary tradition of the country and the capital, the character of your army—which has been reorganized since 1870 on a far more popular basis—all of this makes such an outcome quite possible. But to secure victory and to bring down the foundations of capitalist society, you need the vigorous support of a socialist party that is stronger, more numerous, better trained for combat, and more conscious than the one at your disposal. This would be the fulfillment of what we have been anticipating and predicting for many years: the French will give the signal, open fire, and the Germans will decide the battle.”