At the Munich conference, Hitler received many concessions intended to appease his expansionist desires. World leaders, such as British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, were delighted that peace was achieved, but the Czechoslovakians paid for this peace with their freedom. Their entire state was soon cut into pieces and annexed variously by Germany, Austria, and Hungary. In the end, the peace was only illusory, since Hitler had no intention of ending his ambitions in Czechoslovakia.

1) Explain the Munich conference and the reasons the Western powers were willing to grant Germany permission to annex Czechoslovakia.

2) Summarize the course of the German occupation of Czechoslovakia. How were the Germans met in the Sudetenland?

3) Explain how the Germans, including Guderian and other military leaders, reacted to the annexation of the Sudetenland.

4) Discuss the advantages Germany gained as a result of the annexation of the Sudetenland and other areas of Czechoslovakia.

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

After dealing with France, Hitler turned his attention to Russia. He devised another daring plan for quickly annexing an entire nation through a focus on mobile warfare and rapid advances. The initial attacks took the Russian completely by surprise and resulted in huge territorial gains by the Germans. However, the Russians quickly reorganized and began to push the German army back.

1) Explain Hitler's plan for attack against Russia. What were the major strategic goals of the plan? How did Hitler intend to overcome the massive Russian advantage in manpower? What were to be the final goals of the invasion?

2) Summarize the course of the invasion of Russia.

3) Discuss the important strategic decision whether to attack Moscow or Kiev first. What has Hitler's final decision, and what motivated it?

4) Discuss the impact of the T34 tank on the war. How did the Germans respond to this threat?

5) Explain some of the major factors that led to the turn-around of Germany's success in Russia.

(see the answer keys)

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