Field Marshall Haig: 'The Butcher of the Somme'?

This essay hasn't yet been marked by one of our teachers

You can view 8 essays on International relations 1900-1939 that have been Marked by Teachers

The first 200 words of this essay...

FIELD MARSHALL HAIG: 'THE BUTCHER OF THE SOMME'?

a) How far does source A prove that Haig did not care about the lives of his men?

Unfortunately, the purpose for which Haig wrote this source is not completely evident, however Source A is likely to be part of a letter written by Haig, intended to inform politicians in England that the nation should be made aware that mass death is coming - to prevent shock - which can be assumed as the source contains frequent punctuation, resulting in it resembling a speech, perhaps suggesting to the politicians at the time how the public should be informed, showing that Haig was fully aware that many of his men would die.

Haig uses the word "sacrifice", which can be interpreted in two ways. One way is that it shows that he believes the ends would justify the means. If the outcome he perceives is victory in this battle, then it shows that he believes that the victory is more important than life - showing he does not care about the life of his men, only winning the battle no matter what the cost - the deaths would be worth