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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Guderian compared Hitler to what other famous historical leader?

2. Which of the following best describes the relationship that existed between the German General Staff and the Weimar Republic?

3. What was Guderian's assessment of Goering's leadership?

4. What did von Kluge do after he was replaced by Model?

5. What happened to the German General Staff after WWI?

Short Essay Questions

1. What problem limited production in Germany in 1943?

2. Why was Guderian relieved from his command after the failed attack on the fortress?

3. What special authority did Guderian seek from general Schmundt?

4. How were the opinions about entering into war different for Hitler and for the General Staff?

5. What war did the tradition of the German General Staff date back to?

6. What kind of audience did Guderian seek in Chapter 12?

7. What major attack did Hitler order for Army Group Vistula during the events of Chapter 12?

8. What defensive mistake did Rommel make in dealing with the allied landings at Normandy?

9. According to Guderian, how did Hitler come to power?

10. What was the July 20th plot?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After breaking through Belgium and Luxembourg, the German forces routed French and allied divisions, sending them fleeing North to the channel and south to the heart of France. The English expeditionary force was badly disorganized and compacted into a small area at Dunkirk, where they were slowly evacuated. Many military leaders wanted to launch a massive ground attack against these forces, but Hitler indulged Goering's desire to demonstrate the power of the German Luftwaffe by destroying the English from the air. This proved more difficult than planned, and most of the English army escaped.

1) Discuss the events that caused the English army to be cornered at Dunkirk.

2) Explain the opinions of Guderian and other military leaders about what should have been done to wipe out the English army.

3) Explain the reasons that caused Hitler to send only the Luftwaffe to attack this vulnerable position.

4) Summarize the Luftwaffe's attempts to wipe out the English.

5) Using information from the book and Guderian's personal insights, speculate how the war could have gone differently had ground forces been allowed to attack Dunkirk en masse.

Essay Topic 2

As the war turned against Germany, Hitler began to make increasingly serious defensive blunders, often refusing to allow troops to withdraw to defensible positions or to retreat when overwhelmed by enemy forces. These decisions cost many Germans their lives and turned the course of the war irrevocably against Germany.

1) Identify and explain the events that caused Germany to go on the defensive.

2) Describe, based on the German army's doctrine and mentality, how ready the German forces were to fight a defensive war.

3) Use examples from the book to explain some situations were German military leaders recommended prudent defensive strategies, such as tactical withdrawals.

4) Explain or speculate as to why Hitler refused these recommendations, and explain the consequences of these decisions.

Essay Topic 3

As the situation worsened for Germany, Hitler became increasingly distrustful of his generals and began to chastise them for minor acts of disobedience. This trend began soon after the close of the Polish campaign and increased in severity until the end of the war.

1) Discuss the beginnings of Hitler's distrust for his generals. Cite Guderian's first hints Hitler was unsatisfied with his generals.

2) Explain some of the issues Hitler disagreed with his generals on, including defensive positions, strategic goals, and tactical withdrawals.

3) Describe some of the consequences of Hitler's distrust for his generals, including but not limited to the diminishing effectiveness of the German war-machine, the promotion of incompetent generals, and the assassination attempts against Hitler himself.

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