View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Clausewitz say would be the message sent by an army taking a castle, burning the fields, dispersing the livestock and then retreating?

2. What does Clausewitz say can be challenging to do during a particular campaign?

3. What effect can physical violence have on troops if they don't understand why violence should be used according to Clausewitz?

4. What does Clausewitz call the "Spirit"?

5. According to Clausewitz, what support is less important than government and soldier support during actual military operations?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Clausewitz say about position and waiting?

2. What is war according to Clausewitz?

3. What does Clausewitz' experience teach him concerning the use of tactics by high ranking officers?

4. According to Clausewitz, what is the majority of time spent on during war?

5. Why did the Jews, in the example given by Clausewitz to illustrate his vision on holding terrain, not form a strong country?

6. What does Clausewitz says tempers his own view on the superiority of defense?

7. Who does Clausewitz argue are more prone to self-sacrifice?

8. What does Clausewitz say war often comes down to?

9. What does Clausewitz say is necessary for the destruction of the enemy?

10. What does Clausewitz say about the priorities in war?

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

Clausewitz talks about the "military spirit." Define military spirit and explain how a man can develop it. Make sure to include the role of the society, parental circle and country in your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Clausewitz often talks of Bonaparte and Frederick as examples of great generals. Compare Frederick and Bonaparte and draw your own conclusion on whether or not they can be considered great generals based on their actions.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 714 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample