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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What term does the author not use as an example of vocabulary intended to demean enlisted men?
(a) Dogface.
(b) Stray.
(c) Pup tent.
(d) Dog tags.

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

3. How did the American media react to the image of many conscripts being drunkards?
(a) They reported it gleefully.
(b) They tried to counter it.
(c) They tried to cover it up.
(d) They ignored it.

4. In general, why was the stereotyping of enemy forces condoned and encouraged?
(a) To improve morale.
(b) To keep troops misinformed.
(c) To provide a distraction.
(d) To dehumanize the enemy.

5. According to one rumor, what substance was added to food served to servicemen?
(a) Saltpeter.
(b) Sulfur.
(c) Petrol.
(d) Wax.

6. Heavy drinking and womanizing caused problems for the army in what area?
(a) Discipline.
(b) Health.
(c) Organization.
(d) Morale.

7. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons that armies historically favored younger soldiers?
(a) They are physically fit.
(b) They do not question the war's irrationality.
(c) They are obedient.
(d) They are aggressive.

8. How did much of the American public react to initial reports of violence, chaos and casualty figures?
(a) They were appalled.
(b) They refused to believe them.
(c) They ignored them.
(d) They were uninterested.

9. What is one reason given for why rumors were started?
(a) Boredom.
(b) Malice.
(c) Ignorance.
(d) Stupidity.

10. The author suggests that disliked soldiers were more likely to be selected for what type of duty?
(a) Rear area duty.
(b) Meaningless tasks.
(c) Unimportant combat roles.
(d) Dangerous combat roles.

11. At the beginning of World War II, aerial combat was regarded as exemplifying what obsolescent ideal?
(a) Single combat.
(b) Honor.
(c) Chivalry.
(d) Dueling.

12. Most hazing would best be described as what?
(a) Creative.
(b) Doctrinal.
(c) Tedious.
(d) Dangerous.

13. Which of the following is NOT one of the ways that most contemporaneous war histories depicted military blunders?
(a) Benign.
(b) Rare.
(c) Costly.
(d) Funny.

14. The author states that most of the weapons issued to American armed forces suffered from what problems?
(a) They were issued in insufficient numbers.
(b) They were too expensive.
(c) They were obsolete.
(d) They were poorly made.

15. How common was sexual intercourse as an anodyne compared with drinking?
(a) It was equally common.
(b) It was slightly less common.
(c) It was much more common.
(d) It was slightly more common.

Short Answer Questions

1. How old were the youngest soldiers fielded by the axis during the war?

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

3. According to a common stereotype, Chinese troops were consider to be what?

4. According to the author, what was the typical age of a soldier for the allies in WWII?

5. In the American armed services, the term "chickenshit" referred to what?

(see the answer keys)

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