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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The author suggests that most people prefer to feel that their lives have what?
(a) Excitement.
(b) Purpose.
(c) Happiness.
(d) Contentment.

2. According to the rumor about servicemen's food, why was a certain substance added to their food?
(a) To drive them crazy in battle.
(b) To cause them to eat less.
(c) To dampen their sexual ardor.
(d) To cause them to sleep less.

3. According to the author, what belief is typical of younger soldiers and not of older soldiers?
(a) They are the best soldiers in the war.
(b) They will almost certainly die.
(c) They will survive.
(d) They do not matter.

4. In the iconic pre-war image discussed in Chapter 1, what are the soldiers towing?
(a) A destroyed enemy vehicle.
(b) Heavy artillery.
(c) A light field-piece.
(d) Ammunition and supplies.

5. A blunder that causes one force to misidentify another, whether it be friendly or hostile, is called what?
(a) An intel-reconnaissance failure.
(b) A target acquisition error.
(c) An identification failure.
(d) A recognition error.

6. According to the author, before the outbreak of war, what did Americans expect their military performance to be like?
(a) A good record, mostly of victories.
(b) An unbroken series of hard-fought victories.
(c) A defensive struggle.
(d) A short series of easy victories.

7. Copies of the New Testament were frequently altered in what way?
(a) By adding a steel backing to them.
(b) By tearing out the book of Acts.
(c) By replacing their covers with canvas.
(d) By dyeing the pages red.

8. Italians were considered to prefer which of the following to war?
(a) Women.
(b) The high-life.
(c) Drinking.
(d) Diplomacy.

9. According to the stereotype about Chinese troops, they could survive indefinitely if provided with what?
(a) Soy bean rations.
(b) Dry noodles.
(c) Dog meat.
(d) A handful of rice a day.

10. How did most Americans regard Pearl Harbor?
(a) As a well-executed attack.
(b) As an aberration.
(c) As the typical type of battle to be expected.
(d) As a normal combat engagement.

11. American's believed that what typically American resource would allow them to win the war?
(a) Industry.
(b) Individualism.
(c) Improvisation.
(d) Know-how.

12. What nation does the author believe to have military training particularly suited to the comparison that he draws?
(a) American.
(b) England.
(c) Russia.
(d) France.

13. German soldiers were typically stereotyped as being which of the following?
(a) Unthinkingly loyal.
(b) Bloodthirsty berserkers.
(c) Extremely stealthy.
(d) Incredibly strong.

14. What drink were Royal Navy servicemen issued with?
(a) Rum.
(b) Schnapps.
(c) Whiskey.
(d) Gin.

15. In the American armed services, the term "chickenshit" referred to what?
(a) Hazing of enlisted by officers.
(b) The response of enlisted men to hazing.
(c) Complaining among the enlisted men.
(d) Official disciplinary action.

Short Answer Questions

1. One rumor suggested that German sympathizers used what animal to convey intelligence to the enemy?

2. What term does the author not use as an example of vocabulary intended to demean enlisted men?

3. In the iconic pre-war image discussed in Chapter 1, the soldiers are best described as being which of the following?

4. How did the military handle blunders that resulted in casualties?

5. Americans believed that heavy bombers had what quality?

(see the answer keys)

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