Midterm Exam: Questions & Solutions

1. Question: (TCO 1, 2) Identify and analyze two causes of World War I. Use historical examples to support your answer. Of the various causes of World War I, which do you think was the most important, and why?


2. Question: (TCO 5, 6) Identify and describe the major cultural changes in the Soviet Union from 1917–1932. Give special attention to the New Economic Policy (NEP) of 1921–1928 and the first Five-Year Plan of 1928–1932. Use historical examples to support your answer. How successful were Stalin’s collectivization policies and the first Five-Year Plan by 1932–1933?


3. Question: (TCO 5, 11) Describe the rise of fascism in Germany. Indicate the conditions present in Germany that made it possible for Hitler to come to power. Then describe the Nazi persecution of German Jews leading up to WW2. Analyze how the Nazi government translated its hatred of the Jews into policies and practicies that in 1938 had forced over 100,000 Jews to flee.


4. Question: (TCO 5, 11) Compare and contrast the empires of Germany and Japan before the outbreak of World War II. Identify and describe the leadership qualities of their respective leaders. Make sure you use enough historical details to support your answer.