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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. According to the author, which of the following strategies have been known and used by intelligent generals dating back to ancient times?

2. What two major elements of martial skill were combined successfully in Europe in the medieval era?

3. According to the author, when did the first use of military strategy in Europe occur?

4. In the overall strategic planning for the First World War, what country acted as a buffer between Germany and Russia?

5. "Grand Strategy" incorporates what two elements of warfare?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the concept of the "center" of a country's military power. What is the importance of "dislocating" this center?

2. What were European nations like during the era of the Wars of Spanish Succession?

3. Describe the war between the Byzantines and the Vandals.

4. Why were decisive results difficult to achieve during the British Civil Wars?

5. Describe the changes that took place in France that led to Napoleon becoming ruler of that nation.

6. How did the large size of the Persian army in the second Greek and Persian war cause problems for the Persians?

7. What are some of the factors that caused the Germans to retreat and eventually surrender?

8. What were the results of the Hundred Year's War between England and France?

9. Explain the author's opinion on Sun Tzu's quotation about deception in warfare.

10. How did the Greeks achieve victory in the second Greek and Persian war?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During the First World War, the Turkish theater saw the most mobile and strategic fighting of the war. Multiple invasions by France and England were fought back, and a vicious skirmishing guerrilla war was fought over the independence of emerging Arab states.

Part 1) Explain the importance of Turkey to the grand strategy of the first World War. Why did this country enter into the war, and what did it hope to gain? Why did the allies decide to invade this country directly?

Part 2) Discuss the war between Turkey and the western powers. What types of strategies were employed by each side? Why did France and England consistently fail to succeed in Turkey? Were the results of this war decisive or indecisive, and why?

Part 3) Discuss the war between Turkey and the Arab states. What distinct advantages and weaknesses did each side posses? Which side better utilized its own strengths and took most advantage of its enemy's weaknesses? What were the results of this conflict?

Essay Topic 2

Belisarius achieved victories where no one thought they were possible, and succeeded in reconquering huge swaths of territory for the divided Roman empire. His conquests were so great that some even called him emperor. His style was decidedly different from that of other generals discussed throughout the book, and other generals of the time.

Part 1) Summarize the military accomplishments of Belisarius, in chronological order.

Part 2) Explain how Belisarius's strategies differed from those of most other military commanders.

Part 3) Discuss Belisarius's influence on military thinking of his time, and in the centuries afterward.

Essay Topic 3

The British Civil Wars represented a high point in military strategy. The well-developed techniques of the time led to elegant set-piece battles, but unfortunately, these rarely led to decisive results.

Part 1) Explain the nature of the British Civil Wars. Who were the major combatants? What resources did they have in technology, manpower and leadership?

Part 2) What was the state of generalship during these wars? What methods and strategies were prominent?

Part 3) Why did most engagements during these wars fail to lead to decisive results?

(see the answer keys)

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