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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 do Truman's supporters and staff encourage him to fire as a result of Fulbright's Senate committee report?
(a) General MacArthur
(b) George Patton
(c) George Marshall
(d) Bill Boyle, Democratic National Chairman

2. When dividing up Germany, what geographical descriptions did the Potsdam Conference use?
(a) The conquered lands of Germany
(b) The Germany of 1937
(c) Magellan's original docments
(d) Hitler's plan for domination

3. Of all the labor strikes after the war, which is the one that brings Truman to the strongest action?
(a) The Actors Guild Strike
(b) The Postal Strike
(c) The Steel Strike
(d) The Railroad Strike

4. What career is Margaret Truman pursuing?
(a) Computer Science
(b) Acting
(c) Lab Technician
(d) Singing

5. What condition of the White House was hidden from the Press until after the election?
(a) The second floor was falling into the first floor.
(b) The portico had fallen on the presidential limo
(c) Fine condition, no need of repair
(d) The elevator was no longer working

Short Answer Questions

1. How many months had Truman been President before both Germany and Japan surrendered?

2. Where do the Trumans live in Independence?

3. Why did Truman write an angry letter to the newspaper?

4. Who in the government has the final say regarding military matters?

5. What was the origination of the term "pinko?"

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. Compare the way reporters on the Truman campaign trail were treated as opposed to the reporters on the Dewey train. How was this indicative of the campaigns themselves?

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Choose one of the following issues confronting Truman in this chapter: 1) Soviet acquisition of the atom bomb, 2) North Korea invading South Korea, 3) the Berlin Airlift, or 4) rise of Senator McCarthy. In your essay, outline how Truman and his administration handled the press regarding this issue. In your opinion, was the situation presented to the public in a good way?

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

7. 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?

8. The title of this chapter is "The Buck Stops Here." Where does this expression come from and how does it apply to Harry Truman?

9. Describe General MacArthur, covering the following points: 1) appearance, 2) method of speaking, 3) personality as described in the book.

10. Why did Truman choose Stevenson as his successor?

(see the answer keys)

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