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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 longtime cabinet member resigns due to a disagreement with Truman?

2. How many months had Truman been President before both Germany and Japan surrendered?

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

4. Why doesn't the military deploy more divisions in North Korea?

5. What happens to Margaret after her father finishes her Presidential terms?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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.

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

3. 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.

4. 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?

5. Compare the way reporters on the Truman campaign trail were treated as opposed to the reporters on the Dewey train. How was this indicative of the campaigns themselves?

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Why were Americans, and southern Democrats in particular, so opposed to the inclusion of minorities in the rights of other Americans?

(see the answer keys)

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