Question 1115 • English Language Arts 10 - Second Semester
Read the message below from the Russian tsar to his cousin, the German kaiser.“An ignoble [not noble] war has been declared to a weak country. The indignation [outrage] in Russia shared fully by me is enormous. I foresee that very soon I shall be overwhelmed by the pressure forced upon me and be forced to take extreme measures which will lead to war. To try and avoid such a calamity as a European war I beg you in the name of our old friendship to do what you can to stop your allies from going too far.” - Telegram from Tsar Nicholas II to German Kaiser Wilhelm II, 1914Which of the following best describes the tsar’s message?
Answer
A
He worries that the coming war will be blamed on Russia.
B
He believes that warfare is immoral.
C
He complains about the pressures he is facing from Britain for war.
D
He fears Russia will be forced into war by forces outside his control.
Explanation
Nicholas II says he expects to be “overwhelmed by the pressure” and forced to take measures that will lead to war. He is asking Wilhelm to restrain his allies to prevent that outcome, so the message expresses fear that outside pressures will force Russia into war. The best choice is D, not a claim that Russia will be blamed or that warfare is always immoral.
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