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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. Where were soldiers sent after being tried at the Court of Honor?

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

3. Guderian describeed Germany as being controlled in what way?

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

5. What problem did the German General Staff face after 1933?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What rumor did Guderian hear about Field Marshal von Kluge on July 18th?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What kind of audience did Guderian seek in Chapter 12?

10. What factors caused the German General Staff to adopt strategies for motorized and tank warfare?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The inner circle of Nazi leaders, both political and military, affected the course of the war significantly. A small number of individuals, their capabilities and beliefs, determined in large part the fate of the German people.

1) Describe Goering's position in the Third Reich, his personality, and his connection with Hitler. Explain at least one major way in which he affected the course of the war.

2) Explain Himmler's background and dual political and military position. Explain his use of the SS and his command over Army Group Vistulla, as well as the results of both of these commands.

3) Describe Goebbels as a person and explain his importance in the German political infrastructure. Discuss his influence on the war and personal connections with Hitler.

Essay Topic 2

The July 20th assassination plot against Hitler ended with the killing of several top German military leaders, the light wounding of the Fuhrer, and the execution of most of the conspirators. The German officers who carried out the assassination attempt believed they could end the war by killing Hitler, but Guderian expressed doubt that Hitler's death would mean anything for Germany.

1) Explain the July 20th plot, including the people involved, the plan for the assassination, how the attack was carried out, and how successful the plan was.

2) Discuss the motivations of the conspirators and explain what they hoped to achieve through their actions.

3) Describe Guderian's attitude towards the assassination attempt, including a discussion of his criticisms of the methods used by the conspirators and their morals.

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.

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