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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. Why was it so important to create an Atomic Energy Commission?

2. At the end of the war, how many service men and women were coming back to the American work force?

3. When dividing up Germany, what geographical descriptions did the Potsdam Conference use?

4. What geographical designation separated South Korea from North Korea?

5. Who did Truman choose to replace Marshall as his Secretary of State?

Short Essay Questions

1. The title of this chapter is "The Buck Stops Here." Where does this expression come from and how does it apply to Harry Truman?

2. Why did Stevenson distance himself from Truman during the campaign for President? Was this wise?

3. Choose one of the following issues confronting Truman in this chapter: 1) Soviet acquisition of the atom bomb, 2) North Korea invading South Korea, 3) the Berlin Airlift, or 4) rise of Senator McCarthy. In your essay, outline how Truman and his administration handled the press regarding this issue. In your opinion, was the situation presented to the public in a good way?

4. When the Trumans take an automobile trip across the nation, they are shocked at how many people recognize them and want to see them. Why?

5. Read the coverage of the speech Truman gave on March 12, 1947, page 547 in the book. This became known as the Truman Doctrine. Why?

6. Why did Truman choose Stevenson as his successor?

7. When Truman is on a state trip to Mexico, he visits the grave of the child heroes. Why did this act mean so much to the Mexican people?

8. Truman's own party did not actively support him in his bid for the election, even through fundraising. Why?

9. When Robert Oppenheimer, the director of the Manhattan Project, comes to see Truman, the President is made uncomfortable about the visit. Why?

10. The title for this chapter is "The Heat in the Kitchen." The author is referring to the intense pressures Truman experienced as he was also beginning his run for the presidency. List each of these pressures, and then describe how Truman dealt with them. When this report is done, write an essay outlining Truman's approach to dealing with issues, and whether or not you think his methods were appropriate.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why was Truman's method of campaigning so successful?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Compare the presidency of Truman with that of Roosevelt, Lincoln and Jackson, with regard to challenges during term, character, decision making abilities, and family values.

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