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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. According to the author, rumors are best described as fulfilling what role?
(a) Being a distraction from the war.
(b) Filling gaps in information.
(c) Consoling soldiers.
(d) Acting as entertainment.

3. When did heavy drinking begin for most conscripts?
(a) On the transports.
(b) On their first leave while in Europe.
(c) In France.
(d) Stateside training.

4. What was Ernie Pyle's profession?
(a) Senior enlisted serviceman.
(b) Journalist.
(c) Junior officer.
(d) Author.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the "Unread Books" to which Chapter 5's title alludes?

2. According to the author, before the outbreak of war, what did Americans expect their military performance to be like?

3. Copies of the New Testament were frequently altered in what way?

4. Which of the following is not a concept that the iconic pre-war image in Chapter 1 is said to convey?

5. In general, why was the stereotyping of enemy forces condoned and encouraged?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the doctrine of precision bombing?

2. Describe one stereotype that American troops believed about soldiers from an allied nation.

3. What problems did the doctrine of precision bombing face?

4. What are recognition errors, and how are they caused?

5. How did contemporaneous war histories depict military blunders?

6. What does the term "chickenshit" mean?

7. Why is purpose difficult to see or non-existent in war?

8. What drinks were preferred by men from different nations in the war?

9. What problems did American arms and armaments suffer from in the early parts of WWII?

10. What were talismans?

(see the answer keys)

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