- 1. In 'Stilwell and the American Experience in China,' Barbara W. Tuchman offers a compelling narrative that encapsulates the complex relationship between America and China during a pivotal period in history, particularly through the lens of General Joseph Stilwell's experiences during World War II. Tuchman delves into Stilwell's unique personality, remarkable military career, and his profound commitment to his mission in China, where he served as a crucial liaison between the American military and the Nationalist forces led by Chiang Kai-shek. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Tuchman explores the cultural and political landscapes of wartime China, highlighting the challenges faced by American troops and the often turbulent dynamics of diplomacy. The work reflects on themes of leadership, cultural misunderstanding, and the harsh realities of war, while also illuminating the broader implications of the American military presence in China and its impact on Sino-American relations in the decades that followed. Tuchman's narrative not only highlights Stilwell's strategic military decisions but also portrays the human experience amid chaos, making this book an essential read for anyone interested in military history, international relations, and the intricate tapestry of American engagement in foreign lands.
What was Joseph Stilwell's nickname among his troops?
A) Old Hickory B) Vinegar Joe C) Fighting Joe D) Blood and Guts
- 2. What position did Stilwell hold in China during World War II?
A) Chief of Staff to Chiang Kai-shek B) U.S. Ambassador to China C) Military Attaché D) OSS Station Chief
- 3. Which Chinese leader did Stilwell frequently clash with?
A) Chiang Kai-shek B) Wang Jingwei C) Mao Zedong D) Zhou Enlai
- 4. What was the name of the road Stilwell built from India to China?
A) Ledo Road B) Hump Route C) Stilwell Highway D) Burma Road
- 5. In what year was Stilwell recalled from China by Roosevelt?
A) 1943 B) 1944 C) 1945 D) 1942
- 6. Which battle marked Stilwell's retreat from Burma in 1942?
A) Battle of Wuhan B) Battle of Changsha C) Battle of Myitkyina D) Battle of Shanghai
- 7. What was Stilwell's primary criticism of Chiang Kai-shek's regime?
A) Communist sympathies B) Corruption and incompetence C) Anti-American policies D) Pro-Japanese stance
- 8. Which U.S. president recalled Stilwell from China?
A) Dwight Eisenhower B) Harry Truman C) Herbert Hoover D) Franklin D. Roosevelt
- 9. What was the codename for the air supply route over the Himalayas?
A) The Hump B) The Eagle C) The Dragon D) The Tiger
- 10. Which Chinese communist leader did Stilwell respect?
A) Mao Zedong B) Zhou Enlai C) Lin Biao D) Deng Xiaoping
- 11. What was the main goal of Stilwell's military strategy in China?
A) Reopen the Burma Road B) Invade Japan C) Defend Shanghai D) Capture Beijing
- 12. Which battle was Stilwell's only major victory in Burma?
A) Kohima B) Myitkyina C) Mandalay D) Imphal
- 13. What was Tuchman's main thesis about Stilwell's experience?
A) Japanese military superiority B) Stilwell's military genius C) Chinese betrayal of America D) American misunderstanding of China
- 14. How did Stilwell die?
A) Stomach cancer B) Heart attack C) Combat wounds D) Plane crash
- 15. What was the 'Dixie Mission' that Stilwell supported?
A) Diplomatic mission to Japan B) U.S. observers to Chinese communists C) Rescue mission for POWs D) Supply mission to Nationalists
- 16. What was Stilwell's famous quote about his Burma retreat?
A) "I shall return" B) "A glorious defeat" C) "The worse day of my life" D) "We got a hell of a beating"
- 17. Which U.S. general replaced Stilwell in China?
A) Omar Bradley B) George Patton C) Albert Wedemeyer D) Douglas MacArthur
- 18. What was Stilwell's assessment of Chinese communist forces?
A) More effective than Nationalists B) Badly equipped C) Poorly organized D) Pro-Japanese
- 19. What was the primary purpose of the Ledo Road?
A) Supply route to China B) Trade with India C) Offensive against Japan D) Evacuation route
- 20. What military academy did Stilwell graduate from?
A) Annapolis B) Virginia Military Institute C) West Point D) Sandhurst
- 21. Who was Stilwell's primary American superior during most of his China service?
A) Chester Nimitz B) Douglas MacArthur C) George Marshall D) Dwight Eisenhower
- 22. What was the name of Stilwell's diary published after his death?
A) China Diary B) The Stilwell Papers C) Vinegar Joe's War D) The Burma Campaign
- 23. In what year was Tuchman's book published?
A) 1945 B) 1971 C) 1985 D) 1955
- 24. What was Chennault's primary military force in China?
A) Marine Raiders B) Army Air Corps C) Navy SEALs D) Flying Tigers
- 25. What was the code name for the China-Burma-India theater?
A) CBI B) PAC C) EAS D) ASI
- 26. What was Stilwell's primary criticism of Chiang Kai-shek's strategy?
A) Too aggressive against Japan B) Hoarding troops for postwar power C) Inadequate training D) Poor logistics planning
- 27. Which Chinese general did Stilwell particularly respect?
A) He Yingqin B) Sun Li-jen C) Bai Chongxi D) Chen Cheng
- 28. What was the main strategic goal of keeping China in the war?
A) Prepare for Soviet invasion B) Protect British colonies C) Tie down Japanese forces D) Secure oil supplies
- 29. Which American diplomat often sided with Chiang against Stilwell?
A) Dean Acheson B) George Marshall C) Patrick Hurley D) Cordell Hull
- 30. Which major conference discussed China's role in the war?
A) Cairo Conference B) Potsdam Conference C) Tehran Conference D) Yalta Conference
|