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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 was one voting faction in this election that had never been involved in presidential elections before?

2. In later years, how does Harry describe his childhood?

3. Who was employed to work for Harry Truman, in his office, for a $2500 annual salary?

4. Why is Truman referred to as the "Senator from Pendergast" instead of the "Senator from Missouri"?

5. According to his letters to Bess, what part of Truman's command duties did he dislike the most?

Short Essay Questions

1. Truman's reputation as a fair but uncompromising leader is established during his chairmanship of the Truman Committee. Why?

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

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 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.

5. 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?

6. The Mormons were not welcome in Missouri, although immigrants from all other states were allowed to settle. What were the fundamental differences in the approach the Mormons took to settle, and why was this so difficult for Missouri people?

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

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

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

10. Senator Truman's committee to investigate defense spending was timely and changed the way he was viewed by his colleagues and the public. Was that his purpose in proposing this committee? Why do you think he started this effort, and did he accomplish his goals?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Truman's staff and administration changed when George Marshall was named as Secretary of State. List five reasons why this change happened.

Essay Topic 2

Harry Truman wanted to wait to marry until he had income and a future, and Bess waited patiently for years. Why do you think these young people did not just get married and live with family until they could move out on their own?

Essay Topic 3

After the Soviet Union acquires the bomb, the author states "It was a different world now." What does he mean by that statement? Was it better for the world for one country alone to have the weapon? Was it better for the two most powerful countries to have the bomb? In your opinion, which countries should have atomic weapons?

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