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

2. What was Guderian's father's profession?

3. What was the diplomatic result of Germany's invasion of Poland?

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

5. What major life change did Guderian make before WWI?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just before launching his attack against Poland, Hitler signed a non-aggression pact with Russia that, in theory, guaranteed peace between these nations for the immediate future. This agreement allowed Hitler to safely and quickly invade Poland with little concern for a Russian attack on his rapidly-advancing and disorganized troops.

1) Explain why Hitler sought and signed the non-aggression pact with Russia. What major strategic advantages did this pact provide for Germany?

2) Discuss the agreement between Germany and Russia to split Poland's territory and explain how this agreement enticed Russia to agree to the deal arrangement and to avoid attacking Germany.

3) Explain how Hitler took advantage of the period of relative peace that the non-aggression pact provided him following the conclusion of the Polish campaign.

Essay Topic 3

As the war wound down and allied forces converged on the heart of Germany, Hitler and his top advisers refused to admit defeat and repeatedly neglected to agree to armistices. This refusal cost the lives of a huge number of soldiers and civilians.

1) Explain the opportunities Hitler had to surrender to the allies on reasonable terms. Include examples of suggestions made by both the allies and by other German leaders.

2) Discuss the reasons Hitler and his advisers refused to surrender until the war was completely and hopelessly lost.

3) Explain some of the consequences of this refusal, including the loss of life and the increasingly desperate situation for German civilians.

(see the answer keys)

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