A: Napoleon humiliated us! He just takes what he wants: like the Quadriga – our dear Berlin landmark! The horse carriage from the Brandenburg Gate. Now tell me: what did those French ever do for us? B: Well, the university in Berlin is new because of the Prussian reforms. And these reforms only took place because of the French victory. They turned Berlin into a hub for culture and science. A: What? Well, yes, the reforms may have brought some change B: Some? Serfdom is abolished! Now farmers and labourers no longer belong to anyone. And people flock to Berlin... A: Yes, more freedom... B: And don't forget the free choice of profession! Remember how the guilds used to control that? Ohh, and Berlin starts its own administration, that means more co-determination. A: So, you think we should thank Napoleon for that? B: Well, indirectly yes! Even if he did not intend it. Prussia was defeated by the French and had to change. The reforms paved the way for Berlins transformation into a modern metropolis. And after all, the Quadriga horses returned to us.