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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. Which state turned the tide towards Truman at the convention?

2. What are the names of Harry's brother and sister?

3. How did young Harry Truman like to occupy his time?

4. For most of the people in Independence in the 1800's, who was their hero?

5. Harry Truman always carried a favorite poem in his wallet. What was that poem and the author?

Short Essay Questions

1. Although Harry did not partake in sports or outdoor activities as other boys, no one ever called him a "sissy." Why do you think that was?

2. Truman is placed in charge of one of the most unruly battery divisions in the Army, yet he forms them into one of the most efficient and admired in his Battalion. How did he do this? .

3. The author entitled Chapter 8 "Numbered Days." Whose days are being referred to here?

4. Why do you think the land around Independence was called Blue River Country?

5. Uncle Harrison is mentioned many times in the early chapters of the book as someone Truman admired and enjoyed. Why?

6. Although money was always a problem for Truman, when given the opportunity to make millions at the expense of the government, he chose not to. Why?

7. Read Part II of Chapter 5 again regarding Truman & Jacobson. Did the partners exercise good judgment in their selection of product, marketing and customers? Why do you think the store failed?

8. Reading over the description of Independence, MO, beginning on Page 50, describe Truman's hometown as it relates to 1) economic viability, 2) founders and citizens, and 3) education.

9. Why did Roosevelt keep so many secrets from his Vice President? List your opinion regarding Roosevelt's 1) possession of power, 2) distrust of anyone other than his chosen circle, and 3) whether or not the president should keep some secrets from the rest of the world.

10. Tom Pendergast's advice to Harry Truman as he left for D.C. was "Work hard, keep your mouth shut, and answer your mail." Was this good advice for the new senator? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

From all accounts, Truman was an excellent soldier and fearless leader during WWI. What skills do you think he took with him from this experience that would make him a good President? Cover these points in your answer: 1) his personality, 2) his courage, 3) his abilities to make decisions, 4) giving him an international rather than a small town American perspective.

Essay Topic 2

Compare the presidency of Truman with that of Roosevelt, Lincoln and Jackson, with regard to challenges during term, character, decision making abilities, and family values.

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter 5, Harry Truman changes from a military man to a business man, then to a politician. Describe in detail how each of these factors contributed to his discovering that his true calling was politics: 1) his upbringing, 2) his marriage, 3) his work ethics, 4) his environment, 5) the national economy, 6) the politics of his home state, 7) the lessons learned in the military and in the retail business.

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