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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. In the First World War, which Mediterranean nation did the allies hope to re-unify?

2. Which of the following is true regarding Hitler's preparations and planning?

3. Clausewitz himself admitted that his books had what flaw?

4. During World War II, most maneuvers had the intention of attacking the enemy where?

5. Which of the following was a significant factor in the psychology of generals during World War II?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Hitler's study of Napoleon negatively influence him?

2. What did Germany need in order to become secure and peacefully end the war?

3. How did Hitler gain the loyalty and trust of his subordinates?

4. What is the principle of flexibility?

5. What challenge did Germany face in fighting in Russian territory?

6. What are the important strategic differences between large and small armies.

7. What were the strengths and vulnerabilities of the Turks and the Arabs during the First World War?

8. What were the results and casualty rates on the Southeastern and Mediterranean fronts during the First World War?

9. How does the nature and purpose of strategy relate to people's unwillingness to be convinced of a point contrary to their own beliefs?

10. Why was Ludendorff mostly unable to enact indirect strategies throughout the war?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Julius Caesar was a visionary and a brilliant general. In a few short years, he transformed Rome from a republic into an empire, a move that shook the ancient world and forever changed Rome's destiny.

Part 1) Who was Julius Caesar, what was the political and military atmosphere of Rome when he grew up and when he educated, and how did he begin his career?

Part 2) Outline Caesar's style of generalship, emphasizing his use of the indirect method using examples from the book.

Part 3) Explain how Caesar maneuvered himself to become dictator for life of Rome, and how he altered the empire. How was his approach to politics similar or different from his approach to warfare?

Part 4) Explain the reasons for Caesar's assassination, and briefly discuss his legacy to Rome in particular and to military strategy as a whole.

Essay Topic 2

The War of Spanish Succession is cited as a major setback in military strategy. This war was fought in disparate theaters by nations with no real interest in the territory under dispute and with only the vaguest of grand strategies. The small number of commanders who endorsed a more indirect approach were consistently hindered by the ignorance of their superiors, and the war devolved into a bloody and indecisive war of direct approaches.

Part 1) Explain the background and progress of this war. What was unusual about the places where and the ways in which this war was fought?

Part 2) In general, what method were employed in this war? What factors contributed to these strategies?

Part 3) What were the grand strategies and national objects of the major participants of this war? How did these goals affects the course of the war? Did any nation succeed in achieving decisive results?

Part 4) Which commander or commanders sought to employ indirect methods during this war? Why were they hindered in their attempts? What would have been some possible results if they had not been blocked in their efforts?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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