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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. Whose appointment to Truman's cabinet made a positive and calming effect?
(a) Charlie Ross
(b) Jimmy Brynes
(c) George Marshall
(d) Henry Wallace

2. How many people did Oppenheimer estimate the bomb would kill?
(a) 200,000
(b) None
(c) Two million
(d) 20,000

3. Who in the government has the final say regarding military matters?
(a) Supreme Commander of the Forces
(b) The President
(c) Secretary of State
(d) The Vice President

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

5. Who was the leader of the Dixiecrats?
(a) Adlai Stevenson
(b) Jefferson Davis
(c) Henry Wallace
(d) Strom Thurmond

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Where was the American's atom bomb tested?

3. What weapon is Truman encouraged to authorize to end the Korean Conflict?

4. During Churchill's speech in Missouri, as a guest of Truman, what term does Churchill use to describe the Soviet Union presence that became a common term?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

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

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

5. Why did Truman choose Stevenson as his successor?

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

7. 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.

8. Read the coverage of the speech Truman gave on March 12, 1947, page 547 in the book. This became known as the Truman Doctrine. Why?

9. Stalin is described as a personable, likable man; yet he ordered the murder of millions of people in his own country. Was there any indication in the activities of the Potsdam Conference that reveal this side of his character? Give examples.

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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