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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. Most soldiers believed that their actual wartime experiences would be reported when?

2. Contrary to the media's presentation, the author believed that most allied victories were due to what factors?

3. Overall, the media presented the war effort as being which of the following?

4. Overall, the media coverage of the war would best be described as which of the following?

5. How was God related to the war in the political and media interpretation in America?

Short Essay Questions

1. How were books adapted for soldiers' use, and how did these changes persist after the war?

2. How did the media imply God's involvement in the war?

3. Why did wartime reporting often fail to capture the realities of warfare?

4. How did advertisers think of and take advantage of the war?

5. What is one type of preparation that was made in England in anticipation of an invasion?

6. What were American soldiers told they were fighting for?

7. What does the author believe about the phenomenon of attributing high-minded ideals to the purpose of a war?

8. What difficulties did the publishing industry face during the war?

9. What types of stories would be most likely to be reported on?

10. Overall, what was the media portrayal of the war like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When it entered into World War II, America was at a disadvantage in terms of its equipment, and struggled long and hard to correct these problems.

1) Explain the state of military equipment in the American army when the US entered the war. Discuss some of the problems in design, scale and distribution.

2) Describe some of the consequences of these inadequacies for American troops on the battlefield.

3) Discuss the process that brought America's army up to date and in line with modern standards.

Essay Topic 2

For the first time during World War II, soldiers were treated as perfectly uniform and interchangeable parts. This treatment gradually crept into the minds of the men, further damaging their sense of self-worth.

1) Explain the concept of individuality and its importance and prevalence in a Democracy like America.

2) Discuss how and why soldiers were treated as being faceless and non-unique for the first time during World War II.

3) Describe the impact that this treatment had on American soldiers, and what problems it caused for them.

Essay Topic 3

Nations on all sides recruited soldiers around the age of 18, since young men were considered to be ideal soldiers. For better or worse, young men fought and won the war.

1) Explain why young men were considered to be ideal candidates for training as soldiers.

2) Why is it important for soldiers to exhibit aggression? Explain why young men around the age of 18 are prime candidates in this regard.

2) Discuss why military leaders believed young men to be easier to lead and less likely to question the purpose of the war. Was this supposition valid?

3) Discuss the use of very young soldiers by the axis powers late in the war. Was this type of recruitment immoral, or supportable given their circumstances?

(see the answer keys)

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