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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. How many days was Truman Vice President?

2. What does Bess suggest when Harry announces his decision to join the military?

3. What did Roosevelt say were the Four Freedoms?

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

5. Which of Roosevelt's policies did Truman support the most enthusiastically?

Short Essay Questions

1. In campaigning, Truman is not a skilled orator, but people remember him. Why?

2. This chapter is entitled "The Senator from Pendergast" and not "The Senator from Missouri." Why?

3. 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?

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

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. Why was it important for Truman to spend so much time as a new President with the funeral of Roosevelt?

7. Truman is placed in charge of one of the most unruly battery divisions in the Army, yet he forms them into one of the most efficient and admired in his Battalion. How did he do this? .

8. The title of this chapter is "Patriot". Why do you think the author chose this title?

9. Compared to the Slaughter family farm, the Trumans were always broke. Why do you think this was so?

10. Truman was up against several other individuals for the position of Vice President. Why do you think he was the best candidate? Cover personal integrity, ability to gain votes, political record & experience, and life experience.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How did the introduction of atomic weapons change the world in 1) warfare, 2) alliances with other countries, 3) definition of world power, and 4) America's perception of itself?

Essay Topic 2

Chapters 1 and 2 of the novel describe Truman's ancestors, Missouri, his religious upbringing, education, interests and friends. Pick one of these subjects and prepare a presentation in the format of your choosing as to: 1) The impact on Truman's presidency, 2) how this set him apart from other politicians of his era, and 3) how it affected his decision making as a president and a politician.

Essay Topic 3

Based upon what is reported in this novel regarding Japan's attitude towards surrender and the outcome of the war, would you have ordered the use of the atomic bomb?

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