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. When the U.S. and South Korean Army pushes the North Korean/Chinese back to the 38th parallel, what decision is made about the next step?

2. How much did the White House renovation cost?

3. Who were "The Big Three" of the Potsdam conference?

4. Which country was able to assemble an atomic bomb after the USA?

5. How did Truman's personal staff feel about him?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

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

5. 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.

6. 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?

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

8. In the issue of a President serving more than two terms, what is your opinion regarding 1) in agreement with the limit or 2) in opposition of the limit. Give at least three points for your argument.

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

10. 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?

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

How did the introduction of atomic weapons change the world in 1) warfare, 2) alliances with other countries, 3) definition of world power, and 4) America's perception of itself?

Essay Topic 3

How did the traits and stories of Harry Truman's ancestors influence his life? Describe the attributes of two of the following people described in Part 1, Chapter 1: Solomon Young, Harriet Louisa Young, Andy Truman, Nancy Tyler Holmes, Uncle Harrison, Mattie Young.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 932 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample