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. Guderian compared Hitler to what other famous historical leader?

2. Guderian described Hitler as being prone to panic in what situations?

3. Guderian advocated what defensive strategy for the Eastern front?

4. In Guderian's story about the Court of Honor, what did the soldier do instead of killing himself?

5. Following the allied breakout from Normany, German forces retreated to what region?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What problem limited production in Germany in 1943?

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

8. Why was Guderian interrogated?

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

10. What was the July 20th plot?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

When he was reinstated in the army, Guderian was given the rank of Inspector-General of the Armored Troops. This was a very important position that gave Guderian the authority he had always sought, but it came late in the war and at a time when the organization of the armored troops was in a desperate condition.

1) Explain the reasons Guderian was reinstated into the army and given his new rank.

2) Summarize the responsibilities and authority Guderian gained in his new capacity.

3) Explain how Guderian was able to quickly assemble an effective staff.

4) Discuss the state of the German armored troops at the time Guderian assumed his new command, and discuss the changes that Guderian made to these forces in order to make them effective once again.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 888 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample