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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 ship did Truman take to the Potsdam conference?

2. From what other state did most of the people settling Missouri migrate?

3. What was the beginning of the end for Tom Pendergast? .

4. What afflictions did Harry have in childhood?

5. How many men and boys were killed in Quantrille's raid on Lawrence, Kansas?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Truman's job at the bank in Kansas City taught him about fiscal responsibility. How would this assist a potential president?

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

4. Re-read the section on U.S. Steel's involvement in manufacturing and supplying the Navy with defective steel. What was their motivation for this deception? How did they rationalize it with the Truman Committee? In their opinion, was the action of the US Steel Company right or wrong?

5. When Truman receives a summons to the White House on April 12, 1945, why did he run instead of walk? How is this sequence of events so different from what it would be in today's world?

6. The primary candidate, Roosevelt, did not appear at the Democratic convention in 1944, and his preference for Vice President was not clear. How did this affect those in charge of the Party at the convention?

7. 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?

8. Do you think Harry was a good farmer? Explain your answer with examples from Chapter 3. .

9. 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.

10. Describe Harry's father and mother, using the following criteria: 1) appearance, 2) religious beliefs and upbringing, 3) admirable qualities, 4) values they can teach Truman to make him a good President, leader and man.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Once Truman was introduced to politics back in Independence, Missouri, he knew he had found his career. In your opinion, was Truman a good politician? Address these topics in your essay: 1) political connections, 2) political strategy, 3) political decisions

Essay Topic 2

From all accounts, Truman was an excellent soldier and fearless leader during WWI. What skills do you think he took with him from this experience that would make him a good President? Cover these points in your answer: 1) his personality, 2) his courage, 3) his abilities to make decisions, 4) giving him an international rather than a small town American perspective.

Essay Topic 3

How do you think it would have changed the Korean conflict and the world if MacArthur's recommendations to use atomic weapons on China had been followed?

(see the answer keys)

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