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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. Which of the following does that author state as being his major intention in writing this book?

2. Infiltration tactics are based on what principle?

3. Which of the following best defines military strategy?

4. Germany's expansion forced what undesirable condition on it?

5. Which of the following was an important use of air-power in World War II?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was unusual about Hitler's preparations for war?

2. How does policy relate to national object and military aims?

3. How successful was Germany's expansion during the early parts of World War II? Why was this expansion eventually halted and reversed?

4. What is the typical result of careless concentration of forces?

5. What is the principle of flexibility?

6. What were the strengths and vulnerabilities of the Turks and the Arabs during the First World War?

7. How does the nature and purpose of strategy relate to people's unwillingness to be convinced of a point contrary to their own beliefs?

8. How did Hitler's study of Napoleon negatively influence him?

9. What was the state of strategy and tactics on the eastern front during the First World War?

10. What is a wedge attack, what is it used for and how is it countered?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although Hitler achieved military success, he was strategically unsuccessful in achieving large-scale lasting benefits for his country. Hitler needed to achieve peace, but failed to do so.

Part 1) What was the German grand strategy in World War II? What conditions would have been necessary for Germany to secure its military gains?

Part 2) How did Hitler attempt to satisfy these conditions? Explain any major elements that Hitler either misjudged or did not appropriately address.

Part 3) Ultimately, why was Hitler's grand strategy flawed? What major factors contributed to his failure to achieve large-scale decisive victory?

Essay Topic 2

Hitler was undeniably a successful and charismatic leader. Despite his monstrous intentions, he managed to place himself in a position of preeminence over a major nation enjoyed by only a few leaders throughout history.

Part 1) Explain the conditions in Germany, including politics and the economy, during the time that Hitler was rising to power.

Part 2) How did Hitler manage to rise to such a high position within Germany? How was his political strategy similar to his later use of military strategy?

Part 3) How did Hitler gain the loyalty of his subordinates? What was unusual about his methods and writings before the beginning of the war?

Essay Topic 3

Hitler and other German military leaders unleashed a furious war on conquest against most of continental Europe that shocked the world with its speed and effectiveness. Hitler had an unquestionably strong grasp of military strategy, and was in a unique position to manipulate the grand strategy of the war.

Part 1) What was the state of strategy and generalship immediately before the outbreak of World War II? What types of forces and engagements were most nations expecting? How did the German war-effort differ from these expectations?

Part 2) Explain the major characteristics of Hitler's strategies in World War II. Were his methods largely direct or indirect? Provide examples of both types of approaches.

Part 3) Summarize the extent of Hitler's successes. Were these results decisive or indecisive? Did Hitler succeed in achieving the goals dictated by his grand strategy?

(see the answer keys)

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