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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 is one reason given for why rumors were started?

2. How common was sexual intercourse as an anodyne compared with drinking?

3. According to the author, what belief is typical of younger soldiers and not of older soldiers?

4. The frequency of prostitution and ephemeral romantic relationships would best be described as which of the following?

5. Ernie Pyle was notable for taking great pains in his writing to list what?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why have nearly all nations historically favored younger soldiers?

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

4. How did the American military cause reports of military blunders to be underplayed?

5. According to the author, how common are military blunders and what are their causes?

6. What were talismans?

7. What does the term "chickenshit" mean?

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

9. What are the causes of the facelessness with with soldiers were treated in the second World War?

10. How and when was alcohol used as an anodyne?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The nature of warfare, especially in World War II, made mistakes commonplace and almost unavoidable. The military and media handled these sometimes deadly mistakes in a way that might be considered disingenuous or immoral.

1) Discuss the factors that contribute to blunders being made in warfare. Explain why warfare is more prone to these mistakes than other ventures, and why the combat in World War II was especially so.

2) Explain some of the major types of military blunders that occurred in World War II, including recognition error and friendly fire.

3) Describe the ways that the military and media reacted to military blunders.

Essay Topic 2

Americans placed great stock in their new lines of heavy bombers, which were predicted to be able to win the war quickly and easily, but the reality proved very different.

1) Explain why Americans put so much faith and hope in the doctrine of precision bombing.

2) Explain the doctrine of precision bombing and how it was expected to end the war.

3) Discuss the difficulties in implementing a campaign of precision bombing, and how American strategy changed as a result.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the second World War, soldiers faced constant hazing from their officers. Although largely successful in helping to establish and maintain discipline, these measures were always demeaning, and sometimes dangerous.

1) Explain the unofficial policy of hazing in the US military during World War II.

2) Discuss why this policy was used, and what the army expected to gain through it.

3) Describe some of the unintended side-effects of hazing on the enlisted men.

(see the answer keys)

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