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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's role in his new position centered around what?

2. What was the first city that Guderian attacked in France?

3. What type of vehicle was the Panther?

4. Guderian's concept of the "panzer division" had what distinction?

5. What did Guderian do when he reached Brest-Litovsk?

Short Essay Questions

1. What argument did Guderian have with the German high command about how to prevent the Russians from forming a defensive line?

2. What happened to the rest of Czechoslovakia after Germany occupied the Sudetenland?

3. Describe some of the advantages of tanks over other military units and formations.

4. What was Guderian's mission in the invasion of Poland.

5. What happened in Linz during the German march on Austria?

6. In 1933, how did the various leaders of the German military feel about tanks?

7. Describe the basic components of a Panzer division.

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

9. Describe the Schlieffen Plan for the invasion of France.

10. What tactical considerations did Guderian insist on in the planning of the invasion of France?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the Munich conference, Hitler received many concessions intended to appease his expansionist desires. World leaders, such as British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, were delighted that peace was achieved, but the Czechoslovakians paid for this peace with their freedom. Their entire state was soon cut into pieces and annexed variously by Germany, Austria, and Hungary. In the end, the peace was only illusory, since Hitler had no intention of ending his ambitions in Czechoslovakia.

1) Explain the Munich conference and the reasons the Western powers were willing to grant Germany permission to annex Czechoslovakia.

2) Summarize the course of the German occupation of Czechoslovakia. How were the Germans met in the Sudetenland?

3) Explain how the Germans, including Guderian and other military leaders, reacted to the annexation of the Sudetenland.

4) Discuss the advantages Germany gained as a result of the annexation of the Sudetenland and other areas of Czechoslovakia.

Essay Topic 2

In general, Hitler executed brilliant strategies for the invasion of multiple nations in Europe and achieved military successes almost unrivaled in history. However, he eventually became a victim of his own ambition and failed to adapt to a changing environment in the war. His unrealistic strategic goals in Russia led to the defeat of the German army and the eventual collapse of the Third Reich.

1) Describe the strategic goals in the invasion of Poland and the tactical means employed in order to accomplish them.

2) Explain the final plan that was developed for the invasion of France. Discuss how the channel ports were seized and why they were important strategic goals as well as explaining how the French army was encircled and defeated.

3) Discuss Hitler's plan for the invasion of Russia and list and explain the specific strategic goals of the invasion. Discuss the importance of the decision to attack Kiev instead of Moscow.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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