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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. Late in the first Winter of the campaign against Russia, trucks, and railroads were mostly replaced by what other mode of transportation for supplies?

2. Tank production in 1943 was limited due to Hitler's order to produce more of vehicles of what type?

3. After World War I, the German army was limited to how many men?

4. What happened to von Fritsch, Blomberg, and Lutz at about the same time Guderian was promoted in 1938?

5. Why was Guderian gratified to reach Kulm?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe the basic components of a Panzer division.

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

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

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

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

9. Why did the German forces face difficulties during the first winter of the Russian campaign.

10. What did Guderian do while on inactive service?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Guderian's publication, "Tank Attack by Movement" was intended for military theorists and described the ways he believed armor should be used in warfare. His ideas were developed in an atmosphere that increasingly stressed the importance of armor, but Guderian codified the principles of armored tactics for the first time, and identified the major advantages of the tank as a war-fighting machine.

1) Explain what "Tank Attack by Movement" was, why Guderian wrote it, and who his intended audience was.

2) Discuss how Guderian believed tanks should be employed in warfare.

3) Summarize what Guderian believed to be the major advantages of tanks over other available forces.

4) Describe some of the differences between Guderian's approach to armored warfare and the classic approach used in WWI and endorsed by other military leaders of the time.

Essay Topic 2

After dealing with France, Hitler turned his attention to Russia. He devised another daring plan for quickly annexing an entire nation through a focus on mobile warfare and rapid advances. The initial attacks took the Russian completely by surprise and resulted in huge territorial gains by the Germans. However, the Russians quickly reorganized and began to push the German army back.

1) Explain Hitler's plan for attack against Russia. What were the major strategic goals of the plan? How did Hitler intend to overcome the massive Russian advantage in manpower? What were to be the final goals of the invasion?

2) Summarize the course of the invasion of Russia.

3) Discuss the important strategic decision whether to attack Moscow or Kiev first. What has Hitler's final decision, and what motivated it?

4) Discuss the impact of the T34 tank on the war. How did the Germans respond to this threat?

5) Explain some of the major factors that led to the turn-around of Germany's success in Russia.

Essay Topic 3

The inner circle of Nazi leaders, both political and military, affected the course of the war significantly. A small number of individuals, their capabilities and beliefs, determined in large part the fate of the German people.

1) Describe Goering's position in the Third Reich, his personality, and his connection with Hitler. Explain at least one major way in which he affected the course of the war.

2) Explain Himmler's background and dual political and military position. Explain his use of the SS and his command over Army Group Vistulla, as well as the results of both of these commands.

3) Describe Goebbels as a person and explain his importance in the German political infrastructure. Discuss his influence on the war and personal connections with Hitler.

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