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Analysis and Simulation (exercise 3)
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Document comparison | Document analysis and simulation
Follow the links to these documents, then return to this page for our question section.
- Extracts from the diary of Maurice Hankey (Secretary of the Committee of Imperial Defence), 1915.
- Letter from Admiral Lord Fisher (First Sea Lord) to Churchill (First Lord of the Admiralty), 5 April 1915.
- Extracts from text of Churchill's speech on resigning from the Government, 15 November 1915.
- Memorandum by Churchill defending his Dardanelles policy, 15 August 1915.
- Note from Churchill to Fisher, 8 April 1915.
Questions:
- What was the argument between Churchill and Fisher about?
- Look at the language, tone, style and handwriting of Fisher's letter of 5th April 1915. What do these suggest about Fisher's character and his relationship with Churchill?
- Draft a short reply that Churchill might have sent to Fisher's letter of 5th April, commenting specifically on the Dardanelles. When you have done this, look at Churchill's note of 8 April to see what he actually wrote to Fisher.
- What evidence is contained in these documents of the seriousness of the split between Churchill and Fisher?
- To what extent do these documents support or challenge Churchill's version of events in a) his speech to the House of Commons, and b) his memorandum?