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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 interrogated following the evacuation of Warsaw?

2. What was the German General Staff's opinion towards entering the war?

3. What was Guderian's assessment of Goering's leadership?

4. What happened to the German General Staff after WWI?

5. What was Guderian's association with the "Court of Honor"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What war did the tradition of the German General Staff date back to?

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

5. What defensive mistake did Rommel make in dealing with the allied landings at Normandy?

6. Why was Guderian interrogated?

7. What was the July 20th plot?

8. Summarize Guderian's opinion of Hitler's overall strategic mistakes.

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

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

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

As the war turned against Germany, Hitler began to make increasingly serious defensive blunders, often refusing to allow troops to withdraw to defensible positions or to retreat when overwhelmed by enemy forces. These decisions cost many Germans their lives and turned the course of the war irrevocably against Germany.

1) Identify and explain the events that caused Germany to go on the defensive.

2) Describe, based on the German army's doctrine and mentality, how ready the German forces were to fight a defensive war.

3) Use examples from the book to explain some situations were German military leaders recommended prudent defensive strategies, such as tactical withdrawals.

4) Explain or speculate as to why Hitler refused these recommendations, and explain the consequences of these decisions.

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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