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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. In what branch was Guderian called to serve in 1921?

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

3. The Shlieffen Plan proposed an advance that was strongest where?

4. How are the fortresses at Belfort reduced and captured?

5. The German Reichstag was equivalent to which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. What diplomatic event immediately proceeded the invasion of Poland?

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

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

4. Describe the basic components of a Panzer division.

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

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

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

8. Describe the plan advocated by Field Marshall Manstein for the invasion of France.

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

10. Why did von Kluge threaten to court-martial Guderian and Hoth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

The unification, or Anschluss with Austria, was one of Hitler's first major moves on the world diplomatic stage. The annexation set the tone for Hitler's aggressive political and military campaigns intended to unite all German-speaking people and create a new German empire.

1) Explain the relationship between Austria and Germany and discuss why Austria was willing to participate in the unification.

2) Discuss the course of the actual march on Austria, including Guderian involvement in it. Describe how the Germans were met in Austria and how the Germans reacted to this.

3) Summarize the advantages Germany gained as a result of the Anschluss, both material and diplomatic.

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.

(see the answer keys)

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