2. When planning the crossing of the Dnieper river, what did Guderian believe to be the only way to prevent the Russians from establishing a new defensive line?

3. What conference led to the incorporation of the Sudetenland into Germany?

4. What does Guderian thank Hitler for after the incorporation of the Sudetenmand into Germany?

5. Why did Hitler feel it was reasonable to occupy the Sudetenland?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Germany prepare to counter the T34 tank?

2. Why was Guderian not satisfied after the armistice with France?

3. What was Guderian's military service before World War I?

4. What post did Hitler want to promote Guderian to; why was Guderian hesitant, and what was the outcome of the offer?

5. What did the Russian army do in Poland during Germany's invasion?

6. When and by whom were tanks first introduced?

7. Describe the basic components of a Panzer division.

8. Why did Guderian believe France wanted to avoid real fighting?

9. What was Guderian unsettled by during the interlude between campaigns?

10. Why did Hitler forbid ground units to attack the routed English army at Dunkirk?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

The German high command considered the invasion of France carefully, discussing several possible plans of attack. The final plan proved to be phenomenally effective and resulted in the quick routing of French and allied forces and the eventual annexation of most of France.

1) Discuss the major plans considered by the German high command for the invasion of France.

2) Explain Guderian's suggestions for the planning of this invasion, and discuss why these suggestions were unorthodox but effective.

3) Summarize the course of the German invasion of France, including a discussion of Guderian's personal involvement.

Essay Topic 3

Germany's sudden invasion of Poland on September 1st, 1939 opened the second World War. The effectiveness and speed of the German advances shocked the world and changed military strategy and tactics instantly. Germany's quick occupation of Poland established it as a prime military power not to be trifled with. Further, it established the tank and the Panzer division as major weapons in this new type of warfare.

1) Explain why Germany went to war with Poland.

2) Discuss the German plan of attack on Poland. What were Germany's specific strategic goals?

3) Discuss Guderian's involvement in the invasion and assess how successful Guderian was as a military leader during this campaign.

4) Describe the importance of the tank and the Panzer division in this invasion.

5) Summarize some of the results of the invasion.

(see the answer keys)

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