Question

Which of the following excerpts from Joseph Stalin's 1941 radio broadcast would best be classified as incendiary, or designed to stir up conflict?
A. Men of the Red Army are displaying unexampled valor.
B. We must reckon with all this and not fall victims to provocation.
C. Is it really true that the German Fascist troops are invincible?
D. The enemy is crafty, unscrupulous, experienced in deception.

Answer 1

D. The enemy is crafty, unscrupulous, experienced in deception.

This is the best choice. By calling the enemy crafty, unscrupulous, experienced in deception, Stalin is feeding the hatred the people have for the enemy. He is detailing the traits that are not desired and makes the people feel as though they are justified in their efforts to defeat the enemy. These details are also insulting to the enemy and could also be used to incite the enemy.