Question 1

Napoleon introduced the ____, essentially a small army of up to 50,000 men including artillery, cavalry, and infantry units that was capable of fighting on its own.

Accepted Answer

The term "corps" is specifically used to describe a unit of up to 50,000 soldiers that is capable of fighting independently, with a mix of artillery, cavalry, and infantry units. The other options (brigade, division, battalion) typically refer to smaller units within a corps or larger army.

Question 2

The Napoleonic style of warfare was characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Napoleonic style of warfare was characterized by mass armies and seeking decisive battle so as to destroy the enemy's army and render him unable to offer effective resistance. This was seen in many of Napoleon's most famous battles, such as Austerlitz and Waterloo. Outmanoeuvring opponents without battle was not a primary tactic of the Napoleonic style, and mass production was not used to create armies of minimal size but high quality. Defensive warfare and guerrilla tactics were not commonly used in the Napoleonic era.

Question 3

During the modern era, ideology, particularly nationalism, waned in importance in comparison to previous eras.

Accepted Answer

During the modern era, ideology, particularly nationalism, became increasingly important and influential, with the rise of nation-states and the growth of nationalist movements. This was especially evident in the 19th and early 20th centuries, leading up to World War I and II. While other ideologies, such as socialism and communism, also gained prominence during this time, nationalism remained a significant force in shaping political and social developments.

Question 4

According to Strategy in the Contemporary World, all of the following are distinctions between modern wars and postmodern wars, except

Accepted Answer

All of the other options are valid distinctions between modern and postmodern wars according to Strategy in the Contemporary World. However, option B is not accurate as modern wars also employed cutting-edge technology for their time, such as airplanes and tanks in World War II.

Question 5

During the nineteenth century, the Industrial Revolution had only a very limited impact on land warfare. Innovations such as mass production, railways, and the telegram played no part in strategy until World War I, which began in 1914.

Accepted Answer

The statement is false. The Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on land warfare in the nineteenth century, particularly in the development of weapons and transportation, such as the rifled musket and steam-powered trains.

Question 6

In The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783, an influential work of history and strategic theory, Alfred Thayer Mahan argued that

Accepted Answer

Neither option A nor option B is correct. Mahan's argument in The Influence of Sea Power Upon History was that a strong navy, rather than unrestricted submarine warfare, was crucial in ensuring a nation's success in international affairs. Additionally, Mahan praised Great Britain's investment in building up their navy during the 1660-1783 period, indicating that it was a major factor in their rise as a dominant world power.

Question 7

During the nineteenth century, a number of technical innovations, such as the use of steam power, armouring of warships, and the use of heavy guns with explosive shells, greatly impacted naval warfare.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Steam power allowed ships to travel faster and for longer periods of time, armouring of warships made them more resistant to enemy fire, and the use of heavy guns with explosive shells increased their firepower.

Question 8

Key elements of total war began to emerge in the First World War (1914-18) and peaked during the Second World War (1939-45).

Accepted Answer

Total war, which involves the mobilization of all societal resources towards the war effort, became increasingly prominent during WWI and reached its height during WWII.

Question 9

Some of the key characteristics of total war include

Accepted Answer

Total war involves the maximum mobilization of economic, human, and military resources, as well as the systemic use of censorship and propaganda. While a legal declaration of war may or may not occur in total war, it is not a key characteristic. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Question 10

During the cold war period, the following types of conflicts were common:

Accepted Answer

During the cold war period, the two most common types of conflicts were 'limited' wars, where both sides avoided using their full military capabilities, and wars of insurgency and counterinsurgency, where one side used unconventional tactics against the other. Therefore, option D, which includes both B and C, is the correct answer.

Quiz 2: The Evolution of Modern Warfare, Michael Sheehan