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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. During the planning of the Kursk offensive, Guderian had what major objection?

2. What did Guderian convince Himmler to do?

3. What did von Kluge attempt to do to Guderian?

4. Guderian was horrified when the command of the newly formed Army Group Vistula was given to what commander?

5. What did Dr. Geordeler want Guderian to help him with?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What defensive mistakes did Hitler constantly make during the allied advances in Europe?

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

6. According to Guderian, how did Hitler come to power?

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

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

9. What problem limited production in Germany in 1943?

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

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

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 3

The unification, or Anschluss with Austria, was one of Hitler's first major moves on the world diplomatic stage. The annexation set the tone for Hitler's aggressive political and military campaigns intended to unite all German-speaking people and create a new German empire.

1) Explain the relationship between Austria and Germany and discuss why Austria was willing to participate in the unification.

2) Discuss the course of the actual march on Austria, including Guderian involvement in it. Describe how the Germans were met in Austria and how the Germans reacted to this.

3) Summarize the advantages Germany gained as a result of the Anschluss, both material and diplomatic.

(see the answer keys)

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