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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. Why was Guderian gratified to reach Kulm?

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

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

4. What year did Hitler come into power in Germany?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. As of March 1942, how was Germany governed?

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

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

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

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

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

7. How did Hitler gain diplomatic approval for the occupation of the Sudetenland?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Hitler's plan for the invasion of Russia assumed the campaign would be concluded before the next winter, an assumption that proved to be disastrously wrong. As the Russian winter set in, the organization of German forces fell apart and the army suffered major setbacks and defeats.

1) Explain some of the problems in Germany's preparations for the Russian winter.

2) Discuss the difficulties the Russian winter presented the German army with.

3) Describe the ways the Russian forces took advantage of German disorganization during this time.

4) Summarize the impact of the Russian winter on German morale and war-fighting capability.

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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