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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When moving to engage the superior Scottish forces, what was the nature of Cromwell's overall strategic maneuver?
(a) A slow inexorable creep that avoided major confrontations.
(b) An indirect sweeping movement made while gathering supplies.
(c) A lightning offensive that relied on seizing the enemy's supplies.
(d) Cromwell did not use a strategic maneuver.

2. What factor caused the Germans to retreat near the end of the First World War?
(a) They had no way to deal with the tanks the Allies had introduced.
(b) There was massive unrest at home.
(c) They had lost too many men in a recent offensive.
(d) They were concerned about the safety of their rear area.

3. Some of Fabius' tactics could be compared to what kind of modern warfare?
(a) Scorched-earth policy.
(b) Blitzkreig.
(c) Guerilla warfare.
(d) Infiltration doctrine.

4. Why did many European principalities fail to become strong, united nations?
(a) The philosophy and religion of the time discouraged it.
(b) Constant bickering drove them apart.
(c) There was insufficient technology to support a large state.
(d) Individual princes were unwilling to give up their power.

5. Why did Caesar prefer to win battles and campaigns with as little bloodshed as possible?
(a) He wanted to turn defeated opponents into followers.
(b) He wanted to preserve his own troops at all costs.
(c) He was orderly and disliked "messy" battles.
(d) He wanted to avoid unneccesary killing for religious reasons.

6. Constable du Guesclin's style was most influenced by which previous general?
(a) Alexander.
(b) Caesar.
(c) Fabius.
(d) Hannibal.

7. What factor aided Napoleon in his ascent to become ruler of a united France?
(a) Strong economic growth.
(b) Unrest in occupied territories.
(c) Rapid militarization.
(d) Popular support for a new form of government.

8. Which of the following major factors that was developed in warfare in the period between 1854 and 1914 made it harder to employ the indirect approach?
(a) The machine gun.
(b) Concentration of forces.
(c) The railway.
(d) Observation balloons.

9. What major advantage does the use of locomotives in warfare convey?
(a) Availability of artillery.
(b) Improved communications.
(c) Force multipliers.
(d) Mobility.

10. During Constable du Geusclin's time, the English had what major technological advantage?
(a) Greek fire.
(b) Ocean-going ships.
(c) The trebuchet.
(d) The longbow.

11. What factor did Constable du Guesclin rely upon in enemy territory?
(a) Overwhelming power and strength.
(b) Light, fast troops.
(c) Dissent among the occupied people.
(d) Reconnaissance.

12. When an enemy is attacked along a "natural line of expectation," what is the usual result?
(a) The enemy's strength will be worn down.
(b) The enemy will not be able to counter effectively.
(c) The enemy has a high chance of resisting the attack.
(d) The enemy will not be prepared for the attack.

13. Compared to normal military strategies, indirect strategies strive to achieve what goal?
(a) Purely psychological goals.
(b) Multiple subsidiary goals.
(c) The same goal.
(d) Purely material goals.

14. What two major elements of martial skill were combined successfully in Europe in the medieval era?
(a) Single combat and swordplay.
(b) Archery and horsemanship.
(c) Swordplay and horsemanship.
(d) Archery and close quarters combat.

15. After the second war with Persia, Greece secured about how many years of peace and freedom from the Persians?
(a) Seventy.
(b) Ten.
(c) Five hundred.
(d) Two hundred.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the author's assessment of the strategies employed in the the First World War?

2. During the British Civil Wars, what were the prospects for sweeping victories and conquests?

3. In addition to the physical gains, why did Fabius employ his brand of warfare?

4. Who was the Emperor of the Western Roman Empire during Belisarius's time?

5. Who led the second Persian invasion of Greece?

(see the answer keys)

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