Does it prove that Haig did not care about the lives of his man Essay Example
Does it prove that Haig did not care about the lives of his man Essay Example

Does it prove that Haig did not care about the lives of his man Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (546 words)
  • Published: November 9, 2017
  • Type: Paper
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The article in Source A was published in a national newspaper by Haig a month before the start of the offensive, in June 1916. This particular source depicts Haig as an individual who lacks empathy and compassion. The language used suggests that he has little regard for the lives of his soldiers, as he is quoted saying that the nation "must be taught to bear losses". This statement, combined with the rest of the article, implies that Haig views death as an ordinary occurrence and life as something of little worth.

It is difficult to determine if Haig demonstrated concern for the lives of his men in Form Source B. Both paragraphs in this source come from Haig's personal diary entries, written by Haig himself. The first paragraph, written on June 30th, 1916, the day before the attack, conveys Haig's optimistic and pr

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epared demeanor.

It can be inferred from Haig's writing that he valued the lives of his soldiers, as he thoroughly briefed them on plans and tactics. He provided detailed instruction such that many soldiers noted they had never been so informed before. This suggests he wanted them to perform well and avoid harm during the war. Additionally, Haig mentioned the thorough preparation of the barbed wire, which was cut like never before. This demonstrates his dedication to soldiers' safety, as he took personal responsibility or delegated it to someone reliable.

According to Source B's second extract, written on July 1st, 1916, Haig claimed that the attack was a great success and executed "like clockwork," indicating it went as planned. However, 200,000 men were lost in the morning of the attack, so this statement is

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false. Furthermore, it's uncertain whether Haig valued the lives of his soldiers based on this extract.

Source A reports that Haig has noted his troops' high morale and confidence, indicating a concern for their welfare. However, the absence of personal visits to the trenches may suggest otherwise. Source A does not take a stance on whether or not Haig genuinely cares for his soldiers, so it is impossible to confirm either way. Nonetheless, it's important to consider why Haig wrote in such an apparently unfeeling manner in this article. It seems that he wanted to inform the public about the consequences of war and acknowledge his responsibility should any casualties arise.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of sacrificing human lives in order to achieve victory, regardless of the competence of commanders, training, or weaponry. This showcases their realism and dedication to their role. However, the accuracy of this statement is disputed due to Haig being given false information by messenger John Charters which may have influenced his decision to continue with the war. Some suggest that Haig's lack of experience in trench warfare also played a part as he never personally visited the front lines. Despite criticism, Haig remained committed to his job and had to maintain a detached demeanor due to the immense responsibility of controlling soldiers' lives.

It is my belief that had he personally visited the trenches, he may have altered his plan. However, overseeing the entire battlefield from outside allowed for better control. The lack of experience in this type of warfare made his task difficult, but he made the best effort possible.

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