Question

Read this statement by French Premier Clemenceau.

America is far away, protected by the ocean. Not even Napoleon himself could touch England. You are both sheltered; we are not.

In the excerpt, what is Clemenceau suggesting regarding the impact of World War I? Check all that apply.

The United States is far from Europe, protected by the Atlantic.
France is safer from German attack than either the United States or England.
Napoleon’s wars caused more damage to France than World War I did.
France is close to Germany and is therefore subject to a German attack.
The United States does not need as much protection from Germany as France does.

Answer 1

Answers: 1, 4, and 5.

- 1 (true): He explicitly says America is far away and protected by the ocean.
- 4 (true): By saying “we are not,” he implies France is not sheltered—i.e., close to Germany and vulnerable to attack.
- 5 (true): By contrasting America’s (and England’s) shelter with France’s exposure, he implies the U.S. does not need as much protection as France does.

Statements 2 and 3 are not supported by the excerpt.