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. Which of the following does Guderian NOT cite as a reason for Hitler's declining capabilities?

2. About how many German soldiers were lost when Army Group Center was encircled on the Eastern front?

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

4. Guderian estimated the war could only continue for a few more weeks if what critical area was taken?

5. How did Guderian feel about the coup plotters of July 20th?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Why was Guderian interrogated?

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

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

In general, Hitler executed brilliant strategies for the invasion of multiple nations in Europe and achieved military successes almost unrivaled in history. However, he eventually became a victim of his own ambition and failed to adapt to a changing environment in the war. His unrealistic strategic goals in Russia led to the defeat of the German army and the eventual collapse of the Third Reich.

1) Describe the strategic goals in the invasion of Poland and the tactical means employed in order to accomplish them.

2) Explain the final plan that was developed for the invasion of France. Discuss how the channel ports were seized and why they were important strategic goals as well as explaining how the French army was encircled and defeated.

3) Discuss Hitler's plan for the invasion of Russia and list and explain the specific strategic goals of the invasion. Discuss the importance of the decision to attack Kiev instead of Moscow.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,001 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample