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

2. What does Clausewitz say defensive attitudes and position are for?

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

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

5. What is military life about according to Clausewitz?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Clausewitz say about holding on to conquered terrain?

2. What is the focus of every nation according to Clausewitz?

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

4. What does Clausewitz say of an army using the purely defensive mode?

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

6. What does Clausewitz say about position and waiting?

7. Why does Clausewitz say that there is a special relationship between attack and defense?

8. What does Clausewitz claim is not sought during military campaign?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Clausewitz says that "Normally [...] that loss of [the enemy's] territory weakens the fighting forces [of the enemy]," Do you think that statement is true? Give historical examples and Clausewitz' "On War" to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Clausewitz is a proponent of the idea that defense is superior to offense. How do you think Clausewitz came to that conclusion? Include a historical context and the text to support your statements.

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