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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Clausewitz say will determine the character of the war?
(a) Military leaders.
(b) Policies.
(c) The small people.
(d) Political leaders.

2. What general rule does Clausewitz give concerning defense and attack?
(a) General should adapt to the situation.
(b) Generals ususally prefer attacks.
(c) Attack is superior.
(d) A particular general will be good at one or the other.

3. What does Clausewitz say defensive attitudes and position are for?
(a) Self preservation.
(b) For poorly equipped countries.
(c) To provide a base for future attacks.
(d) For weak armies.

4. What does the old political landscape permit according to Clausewitz?
(a) For Prussia to dominate the political scene.
(b) For one event to precipitate a global war.
(c) For two European countries to go to war without involving any other country.
(d) For Italy to expand into France.

5. What does Clausewitz say about holding new territories?
(a) They need to be adjacent to an attacker's normal theatre of operation.
(b) The country needs to appoint a governor as quickly as possible.
(c) Martial law is a necessity.
(d) It is easy to do for a large army.

6. What does Clausewitz call the area where military action occurs?
(a) The battlefield.
(b) The theatre of operations.
(c) The field of battle.
(d) The operating area.

7. What does Clausewitz think of the way wars are usually fought?
(a) They are fought to the last man.
(b) They are waged by military geniuses.
(c) They are waged half-heartedly.
(d) They are waged efficiently.

8. What is the French definition of an invasion according to Clausewitz?
(a) An attack targeting the border lands.
(b) An attack targeting the capital.
(c) An attack targeting a specific location.
(d) An attack driving deep into enemy territory.

9. How can one determine the policies of a specific country at war according to Clausewitz?
(a) By knowing the local politician.
(b) By attending a political rally.
(c) By its war plans.
(d) By capturing a commanding officer.

10. What is pivotal to successful offensive aims according to Clausewitz?
(a) Good communication.
(b) Large number of firearms.
(c) Physical and moral superiority.
(d) Speed.

11. What does Clausewitz say will force an enemy to withdraw from a previously conquered territory?
(a) Cutting its supply lines.
(b) Destroying its camp.
(c) Capturing its commanding officer.
(d) The capture of a depot.

12. What terrain does Clausewitz say might allow for a different type of use than the one he advocates?
(a) Mountain.
(b) Swamp.
(c) Flat.
(d) River bound.

13. What should follow the attack on a well maintained defensive position according to Clausewitz?
(a) Retreat.
(b) Reinforcing the defensive position.
(c) A counter attack.
(d) Rest.

14. What type of situation are high level leaders expected to oversee according to Clausewitz?
(a) Political and military alike.
(b) General.
(c) Very specific.
(d) Tedious.

15. What topic appears in the last few chapters of On War?
(a) Information gathering.
(b) The use of limited aims in war.
(c) The use of artillery techniques.
(d) The use of large cavalry groups.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is required to achieve the destruction of the enemy according to Clausewitz in Book 6, Chapter 1?

2. What building does Clausewitz says is highly desirable for an army to have during the first half of the 19th century?

3. What is Clausewitz disappointed about concerning imperial expansion?

4. What does Clausewitz call the moment of a battle where there is opportunity for a decisive victory?

5. Who is Clausewitz' favorite enemy General?

(see the answer keys)

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