3. The author states that the only things that saved Wellington from sure death were his superior riding skills and the presence of __________________, his prize steed.

4. The French were determined to throw a web of alliances over the principalities as a sign of allegiance to whom?

5. After Philip died, it was clear that it was Alexander's time to assume power at the tender age of ___________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Castlereagh think of Wellington? Why? How did this affect Wellington?

2. Why were other soldiers jealous of Wellington? Should they have been jealous? Why or why not?

3. Describe Alexander's ten-year march. Why did he do this?

4. Describe the army Alexander inherited from his father.

5. How was Alexander able to conquer Persia?

6. Describe Alexander's parents' personalities and relationship.

7. How does Wellington's war record and number of battles compare to Alexander the Great's?

8. What did Wellington do when the French set fire to the chateau at Hougomont? Why did he do this?

9. Why might the author use the word "abstractedly" to describe Wellington?

10. Describe Alexander's education.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The leaders discussed in this book had a wide range of upbringings.

Part 1) Choose four men to analyze. Describe each man's upbringing. Compare these upbringings. How did their upbringings affect their personalities, strategies, and beliefs?

Part 2) Despite having varying upbringings, the leaders in this book had several similarities and common traits. What are these commonalities? Are these traits required by all leaders? Why or why not?

Part 3) Regarding nurture versus nature, do you feel that either the way you were raised or your own genetics has a stronger influence over your personality, interests, and beliefs? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Alexander was well-known for his flair for the dramatic.

Part 1) Describe his interest in drama. How does this reflect his personality and upbringing? What might the Macedonians think of this? Would his flair for the dramatic be accepted in other cultures at that time? Why or why not?

Part 2) How did other leaders mentioned in this book compare to Alexander, regarding melodramatic behavior? Were they all as melodramatic? Why or why not?

Part 3) What leaders in our world today are considered melodramatic? How does this affect those that could potentially follow them? How does it affect those who go against them?

Essay Topic 3

"Hitler in Command" may be the most important chapter in this book.

Part 1) Summarize this chapter. Why might it be the most important? What does this say about Hitler?

Part 2) How much of Hitler's power was his own doing and how much had to do with the environment in which he was living?

Part 3) Could a Hitler-type leader ever emerge in our own culture? Why or why not? Could the U.S. citizens avoid being attracted to such a leader? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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