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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. How many people did the bomb actually kill in Hiroshima?

2. What two projects occupied Truman for the remainder of his life?

3. Who is Truman's first choice for his replacement as President?

4. What famous landmark did Churchill visit when in Berlin?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. 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.

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

3. Why did Truman choose Stevenson as his successor?

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. How did Truman react to political pressure regarding his bid for Presidency? Give specific examples.

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

9. Roosevelt was unable to move without assistance, but Truman is a fast walker and a man who moves quickly and with determination. The Secret Service had to completely change their tactics to protect the President. How did this affect their procedures and organization? Do you think President Truman, based upon what you have read about him so far, was easy to work with regarding his movements around Washington DC?

10. Truman had corresponded with Churchill and Stalin, but had never met either of these leaders before Potsdam. Read through Chapter 10 again, noting Truman's observations of the two men. Pretending you are a reporter for an American newspaper, write an article describing the two men from Truman's view.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

How does the Truman Committee reinforce Truman's long-held belief that American large corporations are corrupt? Give specific examples.

Essay Topic 3

Truman and Roosevelt were men from completely different backgrounds and political experience. What specific obstacles did Truman have to overcome when assuming President Roosevelt's job that were caused by Roosevelt's attitude towards 1) world affairs, 2) the power of the presidency, and 3) sharing secrets with others outside his private circle.

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