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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Effective grand strategies must include what factor?
(a) Methods to maintain whatever is gained.
(b) Methods to subjugate conquered peoples.
(c) Both indirect and direct methods.
(d) Propaganda.

2. What is true regarding decisive victories?
(a) They can only be won by indirect methods.
(b) They are independant of any gains made.
(c) They always occur suddenly and often unexpectedly.
(d) They can be rapid, or can take decades or longer to achieve.

3. What is the most important possible result of a significant moral victory?
(a) A superior position can be gained.
(b) A war can be ended without fighting.
(c) Losses can be reduced.
(d) A battle can be avoided.

4. Constable du Guesclin's style was most influenced by which previous general?
(a) Caesar.
(b) Alexander.
(c) Hannibal.
(d) Fabius.

5. The author suggests that which of the following can easily become involved in grand strategy?
(a) Organized labor.
(b) Industry.
(c) Religion.
(d) Race.

6. During the British Civil Wars, what were the prospects for sweeping victories and conquests?
(a) They were limited.
(b) They were unlimited, given enough resources.
(c) They were unlimited, given enough time.
(d) The author could not comment on the prospects.

7. According to the indirect approach, military strategy needs to include plans to attack in what manner?
(a) Along lines besides natural lines of expectation.
(b) As quickly and often as possible.
(c) Along lines of natural expectation.
(d) Rarely and with great force.

8. Which war demonstrated the risks of using a largely unprofessional force?
(a) The Spanish Civil War.
(b) The American Civil War.
(c) The Crimean War.
(d) The Baltic War.

9. What do skilled leaders almost always do when they are at a disadvantage?
(a) Gather intelligence.
(b) Avoid confrontation.
(c) Arrange for reinforcements.
(d) Select "picked troops."

10. Which of the following elements is NOT described as being part of the "center" of a country's military power?
(a) Morale.
(b) Supply.
(c) Technology.
(d) Control.

11. According to one of the aphorisms introduced at the beginning of the book, what is the likely outcome for all nations that participate in a war?
(a) They will suffer more than they gain.
(b) They will strengthen the support of the people.
(c) They will profit if the war takes place outside their borders.
(d) They will lose international standing.

12. Mobility favors troops of what type?
(a) Detached "flying columns."
(b) Mobility does not favor troops.
(c) Light troops that forage for supplies.
(d) Large armies that have effective supply trains.

13. During Constable du Geusclin's time, the English had what major technological advantage?
(a) Ocean-going ships.
(b) The longbow.
(c) Greek fire.
(d) The trebuchet.

14. What two major elements of martial skill were combined successfully in Europe in the medieval era?
(a) Single combat and swordplay.
(b) Archery and horsemanship.
(c) Archery and close quarters combat.
(d) Swordplay and horsemanship.

15. Prince Edward is credited with improving greatly what type of military element?
(a) Mobile reconnaissance.
(b) Supply trains.
(c) Fortified castles.
(d) Combined arms.

Short Answer Questions

1. How long does the author say it took Caesar to make the Mediterranean his?

2. During their first war with Greece, the Persians experienced a revolt in which region?

3. Why, according to the author, were Caesar's strategies insufficient?

4. Belisarius's legacy caused the Byzantines to adopt what military strategy for centuries?

5. Compared to normal military strategies, indirect strategies strive to achieve what goal?

(see the answer keys)

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