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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. What was Guderian's strategic goal in the invasion of Poland?

2. Why was Guderian unable to press his attack into Dunkirk?

3. What did Guderian not like about the post that was offered to him after the occupation of the Sudetenland?

4. How many French troops surrendeedr to German forces after their defeat at Belfort?

5. During the fighting around Smolensk, Von Kluge threatened to court-martial Guderian and what other German leader?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How did Guderian's military career change in 1921?

4. What was the impact of the T34 tank on the German military?

5. What difficulties did Guderian face in the march on Austria?

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

7. Why was Hitler affected by his visit to Linz?

8. When and by whom were tanks first introduced?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

The July 20th assassination plot against Hitler ended with the killing of several top German military leaders, the light wounding of the Fuhrer, and the execution of most of the conspirators. The German officers who carried out the assassination attempt believed they could end the war by killing Hitler, but Guderian expressed doubt that Hitler's death would mean anything for Germany.

1) Explain the July 20th plot, including the people involved, the plan for the assassination, how the attack was carried out, and how successful the plan was.

2) Discuss the motivations of the conspirators and explain what they hoped to achieve through their actions.

3) Describe Guderian's attitude towards the assassination attempt, including a discussion of his criticisms of the methods used by the conspirators and their morals.

Essay Topic 3

Coming from an unimportant family and rising out of the junior officer corps, Guderian did not have a long-standing relationship with Hitler. However, Guderian's natural talents eventually caused him to be drawn into the Fuhrer's inner circle. Guderian developed strong feelings about Hitler as a leader and his influence on the war and the German people.

1) Trace the course of Guderian and Hitler's relationship through the end of the war. Describe how Guderian was first introduced to this leader and how he gained Hitler's confidence.

2) Explain in detail the major conflicts that occurred between these individuals.

3) Discuss what Guderian believed to be Hitler's most important strengths and weaknesses.

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