Bismarck repeatedly signed treaties to initiate wars in an effort to strengthen Prussian- German power. Bismarck wanted the German states to unite with Prussia against France, so he sought to make France out to be the aggressor in a war. His chance came in 1870. A German Prince had been offered the Spanish throne. The French blocked the succession. Bismarck seized his chance and published an edited conversation between the German King and the French ambassador in an attempt to instigate a war. His plan worked and France declared war.