These Roman wars meant a great deal to the future of this remarkable
nation. Before Rome could play its grand part in the history of the
world’s civilization it was necessary, first of all, that it should
become a great _Nation_. A great nation needs an extensive stage on
which to play its part. Now the wars by which the Romans put down the
various small and obstructive nationalities of Italy were the clearing
of the stage, preliminary to the oncoming of that imperial figure, the
“Mistress of the World.”