“And not worth the bones of one Pomeranian (the hillbillies of Imperial Germany) grenadier!”
The thing is, they identified more as Prussians than Germans. But, it’s probably a distinction without a difference when all is said and done.
Wilhelm II’s grandfather - Willhelm I never really accepted his coronation as Kaiser. He thought the title of King of Prussia was more honorable than Kaiser of the German Empire since it was of older lineage. He resented Bismark for maneuvering him into it.
Hitler despised Prussians, and vowed to purge every last Prussian general once Germany won the war.