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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What new inventions did Truman never learn to use or like?
(a) Telephone and typewriter
(b) Telegraph and electric bulb
(c) Toilet and bathtub
(d) Computer and cell phone

2. In 1841, what was considered the extreme frontier of the USA?
(a) Vermont
(b) Southern Georgia
(c) Western Pennsylvania
(d) Western Missouri

3. According to his letters to Bess, what part of Truman's command duties did he dislike the most?
(a) Wearing the uniform
(b) Meting out discipline to his troops.
(c) Meeting with the other captains
(d) Writing reports to command

4. In the eyes of the Truman Committee, what governmental department was the most to blame for bad planning?
(a) Defense Department
(b) Department of Agriculture
(c) Navy Department
(d) Office of Production Management

5. Although Harry writes many letters to Bess, he cannot master one art of good correspondence. What is it?
(a) Finding the correct pen
(b) Good spelling
(c) Good grammar
(d) Good penmanship

Short Answer Questions

1. On what charge was Tom Pendergast arrested, convicted and jailed?

2. How long was Truman & Jacobson in business?

3. What part of Truman's past most concerned the Democratic Party for the campaign?

4. What job does Truman take between his judgeships?

5. What is the name of the new organization of countries formed to keep the peace after the world war ends?

Short Essay Questions

1. Was trench warfare a reasonable strategy of fighting a war? Why or why not?

2. Reading over the description of Independence, MO, beginning on Page 50, describe Truman's hometown as it relates to 1) economic viability, 2) founders and citizens, and 3) education.

3. How is Truman's approach to the press so different from Roosevelt's?

4. In the first chapter of the book, Truman's ancestors are the focus, and he does not enter the story until late in this chapter. Why would the author begin in this manner?

5. Bess Wallace is considered "ideal" by Harry, and is well respected by the other children. What qualities does she display that make her ideal, and do you think she would be popular by today's standards?

6. How did the atmosphere of defense contractor spending contribute to the Canol Project?

7. The Mormons were not welcome in Missouri, although immigrants from all other states were allowed to settle. What were the fundamental differences in the approach the Mormons took to settle, and why was this so difficult for Missouri people?

8. Why did Roosevelt keep so many secrets from his Vice President? List your opinion regarding Roosevelt's 1) possession of power, 2) distrust of anyone other than his chosen circle, and 3) whether or not the president should keep some secrets from the rest of the world.

9. Re-read the section on U.S. Steel's involvement in manufacturing and supplying the Navy with defective steel. What was their motivation for this deception? How did they rationalize it with the Truman Committee? In their opinion, was the action of the US Steel Company right or wrong?

10. Although money was always a problem for Truman, when given the opportunity to make millions at the expense of the government, he chose not to. Why?

(see the answer keys)

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