First World War Sources Questions

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5.

The sources 8,9 and 10 can all be used as evidence about the role of generals in the First World War. However, the reliability of the sources can be questioned. Source 8 is in the form of a novel. This could mean, as the source is not entirely genuine, that some of the information is exaggerated. Another reason why this source may not be correct is the date that it was written. By 1989 many of the memories and much of the information has become distorted or 'hazy'. This could mean that, again, the information in the source is not wholly correct. Source 9 is a soldiers song from the war. This kind of song is usually extremely biased, as it often shows the true feelings of the soldiers who wrote and sang it. Also it maybe exaggerated and may not indicate actual information, affecting how reliable it is as evidence. However, songs and poems can give us an accurate representation of soldiers feelings about the subject. This is due to the fact that, although letters and the like are censored for content considered to be delicate or critical, songs and poems are not usually censored. This is strengthened by the fact that it agrees with sources 2 and 3, which are soldiers views of Haig. In addition, this song is primary information and the views will not have been changed over time. However, it does not agree with source 12, by Marshall Foch, who worked with Haig, and says he was "wise, loyal and energetic", contradicting evidence from the song about how Haig did not actually contribute to the war effort. Source 10 is written as a poem. It was written during the war by a soldier who fought in the war, and therefore would be accurate and unchanged. However the soldier, Siegfried Sassoon, was injured in the Battle of Arras, and therefore would have bitter feelings, and would possibly even feel vengeful of the leadership of the army. Sassoon also protested against the war after speaking to two pacifists and was sent to a wartime mental institute to recover from shellshock, to cover up the protest, instead of the usual punishment for that kind of thing. This source was also written after the major battles of 1916 and 1917, when the attitude towards General Haig had changed somewhat, because of the mass fatalities and casualty numbers.

Source 9 says that Haig "boasts and skites". This indicates that Haig is arrogant and boastful, a suggestion which is mirrored in sources 2 and 3 which criticise Haig's leadership, and source 8, when the clearing of the dead from the battlefield at night is likened to "clearing the table ready for the Generals next game of soldiers". This is seen as an everyday thing which does not require much thought. This also suggests that Haig was childish and incompetent, as a game of soldiers is associated with childhood games. The suggestion of incompetence is confirmed by source 10: "he did for them both by his plan of attack". This agrees with sources 2 and 3 where Haig is called a "butcher". However, this is again disputed by source 12, but also by source 13, which shows Haig to be thoughtful and wise. Source 11, also, says that it was due to Haig's "grim determination" and "organisational ability" that the war was won. Source 4 agrees with this by saying he felt "quite sad" about the deaths of the men. However, this suggests that he is unfit to lead the army as he cannot plan an efficient attack which minimises the numbers of casualties. As these sources tend to agree on these subjects, it suggests that the sources are more reliable.

Source 9 says that Haig was "safely in the rear", which is consolidated by source 3, which says that he lived "50 kilometres behind the line". This also suggests that the source is more reliable as it is backed up by other sources.

6. (a)

Sources 11, 12 and 13 all complement Haig as being a very worthy leader of the British army. Source 11 begins by saying how David Lloyd George, the British Prime Minister did not have a lot of faith in Haig's ability, and that he removed the Generals command. This shows that other people did not believe that Haig was a good general. However, source 11 goes on to say that Haig worked with the Allied commander, Foch. The source says that it was due to Haig's "organisational ability" and "grim determination" that the German army was eventually defeated. This shows that Haig had the skills required to be a good general, and that he had the ability to lead the British army.
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Source 12 describes Haig's policy as being "wise, loyal and energetic". This means that the Allied Commander believed fully in the General. This shows that Haig was intelligent and that he was devoted to his country.

Source 13, by Haig himself, highlights qualities in Haig. He says "I think this is a mistake, because it is merely laying up trouble for the future". This shows that he is looking to the future, and using foresight. This agrees with the previous source, which said that Haig was "wise". He also demonstrates intelligence by saying he doubts whether Germany ...

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