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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of operations does Clausewitz say can help in the outcome of war?

2. What does Clausewitz say about the teaching of war strategy?

3. What does Clausewitz say of obstinacy?

4. What cannot be underestimated according to Clausewitz in Book 2, Chapter 3?

5. What does Clausewitz compare the old "art of war" to to conclude its uselessness?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is friction according to Clausewitz?

2. What must the strategist in charge of a war do according to Clausewitz?

3. What is important to the soldiers of an army according to Clausewitz?

4. What does Clausewitz think can bolster morale and cohesion in an army?

5. What type of men are best at dealing with friction according to Clausewitz and how are they found?

6. What is strategy, according to Clausewitz?

7. What motive to make war always exists according to Clausewitz?

8. What does Clausewitz say of the analysis of several battles at the same time?

9. What virtue does Clausewitz think are most imperative to a commander?

10. What human weakness does Clausewitz associate with poor information handling?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Clausewitz qualifies the power of resistance as the product of the total means at his disposal and the strength of his will. Which one is the most important in current asymmetrical war such as Afghanistan and Iraq?

Essay Topic 2

What does Clausewitz say about officers in "On War"? Explain the contradiction of looking for the best officers, but only considering aristocrats for those positions and not from among the other 90% of the people. Use the text and secondary sources to support your statements.

Essay Topic 3

Clausewitz is a proponent of the idea that defense is superior to offense. How do you think Clausewitz came to that conclusion? Include a historical context and the text to support your statements.

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