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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How old was Harry Truman when he arrived in Washington D.C. to assume his duties as a Senator?
(a) 60
(b) 45
(c) 23
(d) 50

2. Who was in charge of the Soviet Union when Truman became President?
(a) Josef Stalin
(b) Gorbachev
(c) Hitler
(d) Kruschev

3. In 1841, what was considered the extreme frontier of the USA?
(a) Western Pennsylvania
(b) Southern Georgia
(c) Western Missouri
(d) Vermont

4. Which of Truman's commanders was the most unreasonable and was disliked the most by Truman?
(a) Jacobson
(b) Marshall
(c) Klemm
(d) Pershing

5. Although Harry writes many letters to Bess, he cannot master one art of good correspondence. What is it?
(a) Finding the correct pen
(b) Good penmanship
(c) Good spelling
(d) Good grammar

Short Answer Questions

1. How did Bess Truman feel about Harry running for Vice President?

2. How did Bess Wallace's father die?

3. What job does Truman take between his judgeships?

4. What did Roosevelt say were the Four Freedoms?

5. What major personal events occur for Harry Truman in Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. Re-read the account of the committee's hearings with Irwin Works, a steel producing plant. What is your opinion of Truman's tactics in determining the truth?

2. In the first chapter of the book, Truman's ancestors are the focus, and he does not enter the story until late in this chapter. Why would the author begin in this manner?

3. Compared to the Slaughter family farm, the Trumans were always broke. Why do you think this was so?

4. Senator Truman's committee to investigate defense spending was timely and changed the way he was viewed by his colleagues and the public. Was that his purpose in proposing this committee? Why do you think he started this effort, and did he accomplish his goals?

5. Reading over the description of Independence, MO, beginning on Page 50, describe Truman's hometown as it relates to 1) economic viability, 2) founders and citizens, and 3) education.

6. When Truman receives a summons to the White House on April 12, 1945, why did he run instead of walk? How is this sequence of events so different from what it would be in today's world?

7. How did the atmosphere of defense contractor spending contribute to the Canol Project?

8. Uncle Harrison is mentioned many times in the early chapters of the book as someone Truman admired and enjoyed. Why?

9. At one time, Truman had expressed a desire to attend West Point, but after his experience in war, he decided not to go. Why?

10. Although Harry did not partake in sports or outdoor activities as other boys, no one ever called him a "sissy." Why do you think that was?

(see the answer keys)

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