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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Clausewitz' experience teach him about war and their similarities?
(a) They are identical.
(b) They are all different.
(c) They all start the same way.
(d) Military geniuses are always involved.

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

3. What does Clausewitz suggest be done with territories not immediately adjacent to one's country?
(a) Burn everything down.
(b) Annex them.
(c) Release them come winter.
(d) Hold on to them no matter what.

4. What is military life about according to Clausewitz?
(a) Fighting injustice.
(b) Restraint and discipline.
(c) Order and agression.
(d) Killing the enemy and coming back alive.

5. What does Clausewitz call the moment of a battle where there is opportunity for a decisive victory?
(a) Height of the engagement.
(b) The end of the struggle.
(c) Culmination of the attack.
(d) The turning point.

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

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

8. What part of the population does Clausewitz say have self sacrifice implanted in their psyche?
(a) Men.
(b) Mothers, clerics and soldiers.
(c) Political leaders and clerics.
(d) Merchants and politicians.

9. How is the majority of time in war spent according to Clausewitz?
(a) Training and exercising.
(b) Fighting battles.
(c) Cleaning weapons.
(d) Idle.

10. According to Clausewitz, what is typically not decisive in a long term conflict?
(a) One successful surprise attack.
(b) A good General.
(c) Large number of cavalry.
(d) Accurate firearms.

11. According to Clausewitz, what is decision outside the realm of strategy?
(a) Diplomacy.
(b) Casual force.
(c) Luck.
(d) Tactical mastery.

12. When does no side get attacked, but still spend resources toward the war effort according to Clausewitz?
(a) When all sides are in defensive mode.
(b) When all sides move their troops.
(c) When all sides are fearful.
(d) When all sides attack an undefended province of the enemy.

13. How does Clausewitz characterize harboring reserve troops when they should be used to their fullest?
(a) The mark of a genius.
(b) Counter productive.
(c) Good judgement.
(d) Unimaginable.

14. What construction method does Clausewitz use as a metaphor for holding new territories?
(a) Concrete pouring.
(b) Roof building.
(c) Wall building.
(d) Tile laying.

15. What possibility does a good defensive position offer the general in charge according to Clausewitz?
(a) To wait for the enemy indefinitely.
(b) To retreat quickly.
(c) To launch a powerful offensive.
(d) To rest the troops.

Short Answer Questions

1. What definition of defense does Clausewitz give in Book 4, Chapter 1?

2. What does Clausewitz say is happening to Imperial expansion?

3. What reason does Clausewitz give for the way the majority of the time in war is spent?

4. What does Clausewitz call the area where military action occurs?

5. What does Clausewitz say about the use of the forces available in Book 3, Chapter 2?

(see the answer keys)

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