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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. What pivotal event occurred on December 7, 1941?

2. The Truman Committee saved the U.S. taxpayers a great deal of money. What is the estimated amount mentioned in the book?

3. What was one of the unique things about the Truman Committee?

4. How old was Harry Truman when he arrived in Washington D.C. to assume his duties as a Senator?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Harry Truman left his home and his country to defend another country's border. He mentions that "we owe it to Lafayette" - what does this mean?

2. Why do you think the land around Independence was called Blue River Country?

3. 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?

4. Why did so many respected senators and congressional representatives oppose America's entry into the War with Germany?

5. At one time, Truman had expressed a desire to attend West Point, but after his experience in war, he decided not to go. Why?

6. 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?

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

8. Why do you think Truman was bored with any jobs other than politics?

9. The author entitled Chapter 8 "Numbered Days." Whose days are being referred to here?

10. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The title of Chapter 17 is Final Days. How did Truman view his term as President, and what accomplishments do you think he was most proud of?

Essay Topic 2

Why do you think Roosevelt made the choice of Vice President so difficult? Discuss the factors you believe led to this confusion, including Roosevelt's health, the structure of the Democratic party as it differs from today, and the tendency for Roosevelt to manipulate his team.

Essay Topic 3

Why did Truman's streak of popularity with the American people begin to fail in this phase of his career, just before his second term of office?

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