English Language · English
Which choice best describes a difference in how the authors of Text 1 and Text 2 view Barbara Tuchman's 'The Guns of August'? Text 1 Despite its beautiful prose, 'The Guns of August', Barbara Tuchman's 1962 analysis of the start of World War I, has certain weaknesses as a work of history. It fails to address events in Eastern Europe just before the outbreak of hostilities, thereby giving the impression that Germany was the war's principal instigator. Had Tuchman consulted secondary works available to her by scholars such as Luigi Albertini, she would not have neglected the influence of events in Eastern Europe on Germany's actions. Text 2 Barbara Tuchman's 'The Guns of August' is an engrossing if dated introduction to World War I. Tuchman's analysis of primary documents is laudable, but her main thesis that European powers committed themselves to a catastrophic outcome by refusing to deviate from military plans developed prior to the conflict is implausibly reductive.
- 1The author of Text 1 claims that Tuchman would agree that World War I was largely due to events in Eastern Europe, while the author of Text 2 maintains that Tuchman would say that Eastern European leaders were not committed to military plans.
- 2The author of Text 1 asserts that the writing style of the book makes it worthwhile to read despite any perceived deficiency in research, while the author of Text 2 focuses exclusively on the weakness of Tuchman's interpretation of events.
- 3The author of Text 1 believes that the scope of Tuchman's research led her to an incorrect interpretation, while the author of Text 2 believes that Tuchman's central argument is overly simplistic.✓
- 4The author of Text 1 argues that Tuchman should have relied more on the work of other historians, while the author of Text 2 implies that Tuchman's most interesting claims result from her original research.
Correct answer
The author of Text 1 believes that the scope of Tuchman's research led her to an incorrect interpretation, while the author of Text 2 believes that Tuchman's central argument is overly simplistic.
Download Single Question PDF
Save this question and verified answer as a clean study sheet with live clickable link.
Share with Friends & Study Groups
Challenge your peer aspirants on WhatsApp or Telegram to solve this question!
Preparing for English Language?
Practice full-length mock tests with real exam timers, instant score analysis, and all-India ranking.
Want more practice questions on English?
Solve complete topic-wise tests with detailed solutions on GkGet.
Related Practice Questions
Recommended practice questions in English Language · English