View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What weapon is Truman encouraged to authorize to end the Korean Conflict?

2. What major country turned Communist during Truman's second Presidency?

3. What country's military is in possession of Potsdam at the time of the conference?

4. What was Barkley's "prop-stop" campaign?

5. What is Adlai Stevenson's position when he runs for President?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe General MacArthur, covering the following points: 1) appearance, 2) method of speaking, 3) personality as described in the book.

3. Stalin is described as a personable, likable man; yet he ordered the murder of millions of people in his own country. Was there any indication in the activities of the Potsdam Conference that reveal this side of his character? Give examples.

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

5. In the 1960 election, Acheson admonishes Truman to be careful about what he says. How much influence can an ex-president have in future elections?

6. Why was it so important for MacArthur and Truman to be in agreement on the military policy towards Korea and China?

7. 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?

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

9. 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.

10. Did Truman conduct himself as a world leader in Potsdam? Give examples to support your answer.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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)

This section contains 857 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample