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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 does Clausewitz think great leaders were always right?

2. How long does Clausewitz say it would take a man to compile a proper survey of history?

3. What tenet does Clausewitz admit previous war theorists got right?

4. What does Clausewitz say about the time passed to acquire knowledge in Book 2, Chapter 5?

5. What does Clausewitz say about friction and strength?

Short Essay Questions

1. What type of men are best at dealing with friction according to Clausewitz and how are they found?

2. What does Clausewitz says about great commanders?

3. What does Clausewitz thinks of the relative strength of attack and defense?

4. According to Clausewitz, what needs to be subdued to win a war?

5. What does Clausewitz say about routine?

6. What does Clausewitz think of military knowledge through books?

7. What are the three separate activities necessary for warfare according to Clausewitz?

8. Why does Clausewitz think it is impossible for every soldier to have a degree of military genius?

9. What didn't the invention of gun powder, advances in fire arms and the advance of civilization alter, according to Clausewitz?

10. What does Clausewitz think of the time spent on the acquisition of knowledge?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does Clausewitz say about officers in "On War"? Explain the contradiction of looking for the best officers, but only considering aristocrats for those positions and not from among the other 90% of the people. Use the text and secondary sources to support your statements.

Essay Topic 2

Who do you think Clausewitz is writing the book for? Is it a purely military manual or are the books also meant to be read by civilian leaders that he says must understand military matters? Use the text to support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

According to Clausewitz, once the expenditures of war go above that of the value and the objectives of the war, peace must follow. Why do you think a country could be compelled not to follow that rule? Use the text to support your statements.

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