Source D : Field Marshall Haig as a military commander.

Silent, humourless and reserved, Haig was also shrewd and ambitious and had great self-confidence. Perhaps his greatest failing was his constant, often misplaced, optimism, which seemed to stem from his belief that he had been chosen by God to serve his country. It was probably this inability to recognise defeat that led to his continuing attacks on the Somme and at Passchendale.

From Great Battle of World War 1 (1989), by Anthony Livesey

Source E : Field Marshall Haig as a military commander.

If the test of a successful General is whether or not he wins wars, then Haig must be judged a success. The cost of victory was appalling but Haig's military methods were in line with the ideas of the time, when attrition was the method all sides used to achieve victory.

The full horrors of the First World War make it difficult to reach a clear verdict on Haig. He did push the most powerful army in the world of French soil. Although some people criticise the cost of his methods, they do not offer other methods.

From Field Marshall Haig (1991), by Philip Warner

Question 3

Study Sources D and E. Both were written by historians but they give different interpretations of Haig's qualities as a commander.

Why do you think their interpretations are so different ?

Explain your answer using Sources D and E and your own knowledge.

When you have finished your essay you should :

• Save a copy of it and a backup copy to disc.
  
• Give Mr Fanning a copy on disc OR a printed copy OR email a copy to him.