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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. What did Guderian do during his final meeting with the Fuhrer that upset Hitler significantly?

2. What was Guderian's primary concern, following the assassination attempt of July 20th?

3. What did Guderian convince Himmler to do?

4. Where did Rommel believe the Allies would make their major amphibious invasion?

5. What happened to Guderian when the OKH was bombed?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the political structure of Germany during the war, according to Guderian.

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

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

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

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

6. What happened when the Russians invaded German-allied Romania?

7. What was the result of the July 20th plot?

8. What special authority did Guderian seek from general Schmundt?

9. What problems did the German General Staff face in the inter-war period?

10. How were the opinions about entering into war different for Hitler and for the General Staff?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Germany's war on the Eastern front quickly became a defensive battle after the stalled offensives of the first winter there and the disasters at Stalingrad and Kursk. However, Hitler failed to adapt to the demands of this style of warfare and the German army suffered significant setbacks as a result. The German army was never able to effectively defend against the advancing Russians.

1) Explain the strategic situation on the Eastern front when Germany went on the defensive.

2) Discuss the recommendations made by Guderian and other German military leaders for the defense of the Eastern front, and explain why Hitler refused to adopt these recommendations.

3) Describe some of the consequences of Hitler's mistakes on the Eastern front, including the loss of German divisions, vital resources, and strategic losses, such as the impact on morale and organization.

Essay Topic 2

When he was reinstated in the army, Guderian was given the rank of Inspector-General of the Armored Troops. This was a very important position that gave Guderian the authority he had always sought, but it came late in the war and at a time when the organization of the armored troops was in a desperate condition.

1) Explain the reasons Guderian was reinstated into the army and given his new rank.

2) Summarize the responsibilities and authority Guderian gained in his new capacity.

3) Explain how Guderian was able to quickly assemble an effective staff.

4) Discuss the state of the German armored troops at the time Guderian assumed his new command, and discuss the changes that Guderian made to these forces in order to make them effective once again.

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)

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