View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Guderian advocated what defensive strategy for the Eastern front?

2. Who originated the term "Blitzkrieg"?

3. What force catpured Guderian?

4. When did Hitler take command of the army away from the OKH?

5. How did most of the younger officers in the German General Staff react to the Nazi's rise to power?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of audience did Guderian seek in Chapter 12?

2. What problem limited production in Germany in 1943?

3. What faults did Guderian credit for Hitler's declining capabilities?

4. What is the role of the "Court of Honor"?

5. How did Guderian quickly create an effective staff for his new command as Inspector-General of the Armored Troops?

6. What major attack did Hitler order for Army Group Vistula during the events of Chapter 12?

7. What personal danger did Guderian face in Chapter 12?

8. Why was Guderian relieved from his command after the failed attack on the fortress?

9. Why was Guderian interrogated?

10. How well did Himmler fare as the leader of Army Group Vistula?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

During the time Guderian was dismissed from active service, the German armored forces fell into disarray. The Panther and Tiger tanks were introduced, with limited initial success. As divisions were destroyed and tanks fell into disrepair, the entire armored forces threatened to collapse.

1) Explain why the Tiger and Panther tanks were developed and discuss Guderian's opinion as to why they were not initially very effective.

2) Discuss the problems that German tank production, maintenance, and repair faced as the war progressed.

3) Describe some of the problems in organization that faced the German armored forces. How did these circumstances differ from those at the outset of the war?

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 827 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample