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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. Although Harry writes many letters to Bess, he cannot master one art of good correspondence. What is it?

2. What two political positions did Truman want before he was allowed to run for Senate?

3. What interest did Harry and his father share?

4. Who does Truman appoint as his Secretary of State?

5. What sort of equality did Truman support for Negroes?

Short Essay Questions

1. Tom Pendergast's advice to Harry Truman as he left for D.C. was "Work hard, keep your mouth shut, and answer your mail." Was this good advice for the new senator? Why?

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

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

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

5. Why did the Kansas-Nebraska Act cause so much trouble in Missouri?

6. Reading over the description of Independence, MO, beginning on Page 50, describe Truman's hometown as it relates to 1) economic viability, 2) founders and citizens, and 3) education.

7. Was Truman adequately prepared to assume the role of President? If you choose to answer no, detail what attributes or knowledge Truman needed to do a good job. If you choose to answer yes, outline what qualities or experience Truman had to prepare him for the job.

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

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe in detail the significant events in Truman's first term as Senator from Missouri, and cover the following points, using the facts, and then your opinion as to how this event affected Truman's policy, reputation and personal feelings.

1. Treatment of him by fellow Senators, especially the one from his own state

2. Bess choosing to stay away from Washington most of the time

3. Truman's loyalty to Roosevelt

4. Truman's loyalty to Pendergast

5. The official investigation of Pendergast

6. The difficulty of getting re-elected without his traditional means of support

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

Why was Truman's method of campaigning so successful?

(see the answer keys)

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