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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. Why did many European principalities fail to become strong, united nations?

2. What factor aided Napoleon in his ascent to become ruler of a united France?

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

4. Like Caesar, Belisarius was able to achieve victory in what way?

5. Which of the following was not a major branch of the military during Cromwell's time?

Short Essay Questions

1. What instigated the Byzantine war against the Vandals?

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

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

4. Why has the indirect method failed to become a widely-used strategy?

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

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

7. What was Belisarius's general strategy?

8. Describe some of Belisarius's conquests.

9. What was the overall state of military strategy in William of Normandy's time?

10. What was the overall strategy of Fabius in his war against Hannibal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

William of Normandy exemplified the skilled military commander of the medieval era. His conquests changed the face of England forever.

Part 1) Explain the background of William of Normandy's invasion of England, including a discussion of his allies and their importance.

Part 2) Discuss one or more of William's most famous battles. How did these battles demonstrate the level of sophistication of strategies of the time?

Part 3) Did William achieve decisive or indecisive results? In either case, what strategic conditions contributed to these results? Explain the nature and importance of these results.

Essay Topic 3

Alexander the Great of Macedon is one of the most famed generals in history. His tactical maneuvers in battle are still studied to this day, but he was also a genius in the field of grand strategy.

Part 1) Explain Alexander's grand strategic goal, and his father's influence in creating and defining this goal.

Part 2) Find and explain one example of Alexander using the direct method of full scale combat to achieve part of his grand strategy.

Part 3) Find and explain an example of Alexander using indirect methods to forward his grand strategy. Explain why this action was indirect, and specifically how it advanced part of Alexander's overall goals.

Part 4) Explain at least one example of a long-lasting benefit gained through one of Alexander's decisive victories.

Part 5) Assess Alexander's accomplishments from a strategic standpoint and explain how successful he was in planning and executing his grand strategy.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 958 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample