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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. Who of Truman's long time friends was most instrumental in advising him regarding the Palestine problem?
(a) Charlie Ross
(b) Jim Pendergast
(c) Eddie Jacobson
(d) George Marshall

2. Which of Truman's family members accompanied him on the campaign trail?
(a) His brother and his brother's wife and sons
(b) Bess and Margaret
(c) His sister and mother
(d) His mother and father

3. What was a whistle-stop?
(a) A method used to veto a bill
(b) Term used to describe Truman's style of campaigning by stopping his Presidential train in every small town along the way so he could meet the American people.
(c) A street corner
(d) The term used to call for a taxi while standing on the sidewalk

4. Which country chose not to participate in the Marshall Plan and thereby caused several more countries in that bloc to pull out?
(a) China
(b) Germany
(c) Soviet Union
(d) Japan

5. Who was Truman's Vice President before Barkley?
(a) Jim Pendergast
(b) No one
(c) Jimmy Byrnes
(d) Henry Wallace

Short Answer Questions

1. Who was the leader of the Progressive Party who was in competition with the Democrats and Republicans in the 1948 election?

2. Who is Truman's first choice for his replacement as President?

3. What is Adlai Stevenson's position when he runs for President?

4. At the end of the war, how many service men and women were coming back to the American work force?

5. What was the name of President Truman's custom built railway car?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Robert Oppenheimer, the director of the Manhattan Project, comes to see Truman, the President is made uncomfortable about the visit. Why?

2. Truman had corresponded with Churchill and Stalin, but had never met either of these leaders before Potsdam. Read through Chapter 10 again, noting Truman's observations of the two men. Pretending you are a reporter for an American newspaper, write an article describing the two men from Truman's view.

3. In the 1960 election, Acheson admonishes Truman to be careful about what he says. How much influence can an ex-president have in future elections?

4. Roosevelt was unable to move without assistance, but Truman is a fast walker and a man who moves quickly and with determination. The Secret Service had to completely change their tactics to protect the President. How did this affect their procedures and organization? Do you think President Truman, based upon what you have read about him so far, was easy to work with regarding his movements around Washington DC?

5. When Truman is on a state trip to Mexico, he visits the grave of the child heroes. Why did this act mean so much to the Mexican people?

6. The title for this chapter is "The Heat in the Kitchen." The author is referring to the intense pressures Truman experienced as he was also beginning his run for the presidency. List each of these pressures, and then describe how Truman dealt with them. When this report is done, write an essay outlining Truman's approach to dealing with issues, and whether or not you think his methods were appropriate.

7. When the Trumans take an automobile trip across the nation, they are shocked at how many people recognize them and want to see them. Why?

8. Did Truman conduct himself as a world leader in Potsdam? Give examples to support your answer.

9. Truman's own party did not actively support him in his bid for the election, even through fundraising. Why?

10. In the issue of a President serving more than two terms, what is your opinion regarding 1) in agreement with the limit or 2) in opposition of the limit. Give at least three points for your argument.

(see the answer keys)

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