- 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) Vinegar Joe B) Fighting Joe C) Blood and Guts D) Old Hickory
- 2. What position did Stilwell hold in China during World War II?
A) Military Attaché B) OSS Station Chief C) Chief of Staff to Chiang Kai-shek D) U.S. Ambassador to China
- 3. Which Chinese leader did Stilwell frequently clash with?
A) Wang Jingwei B) Mao Zedong C) Zhou Enlai D) Chiang Kai-shek
- 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) 1944 B) 1945 C) 1942 D) 1943
- 6. Which battle marked Stilwell's retreat from Burma in 1942?
A) Battle of Shanghai B) Battle of Myitkyina C) Battle of Wuhan D) Battle of Changsha
- 7. What was Stilwell's primary criticism of Chiang Kai-shek's regime?
A) Anti-American policies B) Communist sympathies C) Corruption and incompetence D) Pro-Japanese stance
- 8. Which U.S. president recalled Stilwell from China?
A) Herbert Hoover B) Dwight Eisenhower C) Franklin D. Roosevelt D) Harry Truman
- 9. What was the codename for the air supply route over the Himalayas?
A) The Dragon B) The Hump C) The Eagle D) The Tiger
- 10. Which Chinese communist leader did Stilwell respect?
A) Zhou Enlai B) Mao Zedong C) Lin Biao D) Deng Xiaoping
- 11. What was the main goal of Stilwell's military strategy in China?
A) Invade Japan B) Capture Beijing C) Defend Shanghai D) Reopen the Burma Road
- 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) Stilwell's military genius B) American misunderstanding of China C) Chinese betrayal of America D) Japanese military superiority
- 14. How did Stilwell die?
A) Combat wounds B) Heart attack C) Stomach cancer D) Plane crash
- 15. What was the 'Dixie Mission' that Stilwell supported?
A) U.S. observers to Chinese communists B) Supply mission to Nationalists C) Rescue mission for POWs D) Diplomatic mission to Japan
- 16. What was Stilwell's famous quote about his Burma retreat?
A) "A glorious defeat" B) "The worse day of my life" C) "We got a hell of a beating" D) "I shall return"
- 17. Which U.S. general replaced Stilwell in China?
A) Omar Bradley B) George Patton C) Douglas MacArthur D) Albert Wedemeyer
- 18. What was Stilwell's assessment of Chinese communist forces?
A) Poorly organized B) Badly equipped C) Pro-Japanese D) More effective than Nationalists
- 19. What was the primary purpose of the Ledo Road?
A) Evacuation route B) Supply route to China C) Trade with India D) Offensive against Japan
- 20. What military academy did Stilwell graduate from?
A) Sandhurst B) Virginia Military Institute C) Annapolis D) West Point
- 21. Who was Stilwell's primary American superior during most of his China service?
A) George Marshall B) Chester Nimitz C) Dwight Eisenhower D) Douglas MacArthur
- 22. What was the name of Stilwell's diary published after his death?
A) The Burma Campaign B) Vinegar Joe's War C) China Diary D) The Stilwell Papers
- 23. In what year was Tuchman's book published?
A) 1985 B) 1955 C) 1945 D) 1971
- 24. What was Chennault's primary military force in China?
A) Flying Tigers B) Marine Raiders C) Navy SEALs D) Army Air Corps
- 25. What was the code name for the China-Burma-India theater?
A) CBI B) PAC C) ASI D) EAS
- 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) Chen Cheng B) Bai Chongxi C) He Yingqin D) Sun Li-jen
- 28. What was the main strategic goal of keeping China in the war?
A) Secure oil supplies B) Tie down Japanese forces C) Prepare for Soviet invasion D) Protect British colonies
- 29. Which American diplomat often sided with Chiang against Stilwell?
A) Cordell Hull B) Dean Acheson C) George Marshall D) Patrick Hurley
- 30. Which major conference discussed China's role in the war?
A) Tehran Conference B) Cairo Conference C) Potsdam Conference D) Yalta Conference
|