Podcast
Questions and Answers
According to the passage, how do small nations fare in times of war compared to larger empires?
According to the passage, how do small nations fare in times of war compared to larger empires?
- Small nations are equally equipped to handle the calamities of war.
- Small nations tend to suffer more acutely from the calamities of war. (correct)
- Small nations are immune to the effects of war due to their limited resources.
- Small nations benefit from war through territorial expansion.
What is suggested about mankind if only small nations existed?
What is suggested about mankind if only small nations existed?
- Mankind would revert to agrarian lifestyles.
- Mankind would engage in constant conflict for resources.
- Mankind would develop advanced technologies more rapidly.
- Mankind would be both happier and freer. (correct)
What is identified as a critical component of national prosperity?
What is identified as a critical component of national prosperity?
- Cultural homogeneity and shared national identity.
- Abundant natural resources and favorable climate conditions.
- Extensive bureaucracy and regulatory oversight.
- Physical strength and the ability to defend against subjugation. (correct)
According to the passage, what is the primary disadvantage for small nations in the context of global commerce?
According to the passage, what is the primary disadvantage for small nations in the context of global commerce?
Why are small nations often impoverished, according to the text?
Why are small nations often impoverished, according to the text?
According to the passage, what compels small nations to unite with larger empires?
According to the passage, what compels small nations to unite with larger empires?
What does the author consider a 'more deplorable spectacle' than the union of small nations with large empires?
What does the author consider a 'more deplorable spectacle' than the union of small nations with large empires?
What does the passage imply about the great empires' prosperity, as opposed to small nations?
What does the passage imply about the great empires' prosperity, as opposed to small nations?
According to the passage, what is one of the first conditions of the happiness and existence of nations?
According to the passage, what is one of the first conditions of the happiness and existence of nations?
The author is not acquainted with a spectacle more deplorable than what?
The author is not acquainted with a spectacle more deplorable than what?
Flashcards
Well-being of Small Nations
Well-being of Small Nations
Small nations may experience greater well-being during peace but suffer more acutely during war calamites.
Existence of Great Nations
Existence of Great Nations
The existence of great nations is inevitable.
Physical Strength and Prosperity
Physical Strength and Prosperity
Physical strength is a key factor in national prosperity.
Impoverishment of Small Nations
Impoverishment of Small Nations
Signup and view all the flashcards
Prosperity of Great Empires
Prosperity of Great Empires
Signup and view all the flashcards
Uniting of Small Nations
Uniting of Small Nations
Signup and view all the flashcards
Inability to Defend Independence
Inability to Defend Independence
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- The passage discusses the well-being and vulnerabilities of small and large nations.
- It is from "Democracy in America" by Alexis De Tocqueville.
Well-being in Peace and War
- Small nations generally experience more complete well-being during peacetime.
- They suffer more severely from the calamities of war compared to great empires.
- Great empires have distant frontiers, averting danger from the majority of the population longer.
The Inevitability of Great Nations
- If only small nations existed, mankind would likely be happier and freer.
- The existence of great nations is unavoidable.
Physical Strength and National Prosperity
- Physical strength is necessary for national prosperity.
- Affluence and freedom offer little benefit if a nation is constantly at risk of being pillaged or subjugated.
- Extensive manufacturing and commerce are of little use if another nation controls the seas and global markets.
Weakness vs. Size
- Small nations are often impoverished due to their weakness, not their size.
- Great empires prosper due to their strength, not necessarily their size.
- Physical strength is a key condition for the happiness and existence of nations.
Fate of Small Nations
- Small nations typically unite with large empires, either by force or consent, if external factors don't interfere.
- The sight of a people unable to defend or maintain independence is considered a deplorable spectacle.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
