1.
The "Iron Curtain" was a phrase said by whom discribing Europe?
Correct Answer
C. WinstonChurchill
Explanation
Winston Churchill is the correct answer because he was the one who used the phrase "Iron Curtain" to describe the division between Western and Eastern Europe during the Cold War. This term became widely known and symbolized the ideological and physical separation between the capitalist and communist blocs in Europe.
2.
What policy stated that the "United States must support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures"? In other words, the policy that called for the U.S. to use financial and military support to combat the spread of Communism.
Correct Answer
C. The Truman Doctrine
Explanation
The Truman Doctrine is the correct answer because it clearly states that the United States must support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures. This policy called for the U.S. to provide financial and military support to combat the spread of Communism. The other options, such as Roosevelt philosophy, the Yalta Conference, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, do not specifically address this policy or its objectives.
3.
What was the outcome of the Korean War?
Correct Answer
D. It became a stalemate/tie
Explanation
The outcome of the Korean War was a stalemate or tie. Neither the United States nor North Korea emerged as clear winners. The war ended in 1953 with the signing of an armistice agreement, which established a demilitarized zone along the border between North and South Korea. This agreement essentially maintained the pre-war status quo, with no significant territorial changes or decisive victory for either side. The Korean War is often referred to as a stalemate because it did not result in a clear-cut victory for any of the involved parties.
4.
Who was the President of the United States at the beginning of the Cold War?
Correct Answer
D. Harry Truman
Explanation
Harry Truman was the President of the United States at the beginning of the Cold War. He assumed office in 1945 after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt and served until 1953. Truman played a crucial role in shaping American foreign policy during this period, implementing policies such as the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan to contain the spread of communism. He also made the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which further escalated tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
5.
Which event is viewed as the closest the U.S. ever came to nuclear war with the Soviet Union?
Correct Answer
I. Cuban Missile Crisis
Explanation
The Cuban Missile Crisis is viewed as the closest the U.S. ever came to nuclear war with the Soviet Union. This was a 13-day confrontation in October 1962, when the U.S. discovered that the Soviet Union was secretly installing nuclear missiles in Cuba. The crisis escalated tensions between the two superpowers and brought them to the brink of a nuclear conflict. It was a highly tense and dangerous period, with both sides considering military action. However, through negotiations and a series of diplomatic maneuvers, the crisis was eventually resolved peacefully, with the Soviets removing their missiles from Cuba and the U.S. promising not to invade the island.
6.
This conflict began after President Kennedy sent military advisers to support anti-communist forces and ended when Communist forces won in 1975:
Correct Answer
D. Vietnam War
Explanation
The Vietnam War is the correct answer because it began after President Kennedy sent military advisers to support anti-communist forces in Vietnam. The conflict escalated over time and ended in 1975 when Communist forces successfully took control of South Vietnam. The war was a major event during the Cold War era and had significant political, social, and economic implications for both the United States and Vietnam.
7.
An era of hostilities between two superpowers, when each tried to spread the economic and political ideas to the world but did not lead to direct conflict between them.
Correct Answer
C. Cold War
Explanation
During the Cold War, there were hostilities between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, as they both sought to spread their economic and political ideologies across the world. However, despite these tensions, there was no direct conflict or military confrontation between the two powers. The Cold War was characterized by a state of political and military tension, proxy wars, and an arms race between the two superpowers, but they managed to avoid direct engagement in a full-scale war.
8.
A military alliance of satellite nations under the control of the Soviet Union:
Correct Answer
B. Warsaw Pact
Explanation
The correct answer is Warsaw Pact. The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance formed in 1955 by the Soviet Union and several Eastern European nations, including Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. It was established as a response to the formation of NATO by Western countries. The Warsaw Pact was created to maintain control over these satellite nations and to counter the influence of the West during the Cold War.
9.
This is an excerpt from Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, March 5, 1946
ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT FOLLOWS THE QUOTE
From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.
Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. . . . All these famous cities and the populations around them lie in the Soviet sphere and all are subject in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and increasing measure of control from Moscow.
Winston Churchill was in favor of the Iron Curtain.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Winston Churchill was not in favor of the Iron Curtain. In his speech, he described how an iron curtain had descended across Europe, dividing it into two spheres of influence. He expressed concern about the control exerted by Moscow over the capitals of Central and Eastern Europe. Therefore, the correct answer is false.
10.
This is an excerpt from the North Atlantic Treaty in 1948. Answer the question that follows the quote.
The parties agree than an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or in North America shall
be considered as an attack against them all. They agree that if such an armed attack occurs, each of them
will assist the party or parties so attacked. Each will immediately take whatever action it considers necessary to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. It will, if necessary, use armed force.
The purpose of NATO was to spread protect the United States and other allies from attacks from the Soviet Union.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The given excerpt from the North Atlantic Treaty states that if an armed attack occurs against any of the parties in Europe or North America, it will be considered an attack against all of them. They agree to assist the party or parties that are attacked and take necessary actions, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. This demonstrates that the purpose of NATO was indeed to protect the United States and its allies from potential attacks, particularly from the Soviet Union. Therefore, the answer "True" is correct.
11.
The Cold War period is generally seen as the years after the Korean Conflict until the collapse of the Soviet Union (1950-1991)
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The explanation for the answer "False" is that the Cold War period is generally seen as the years after World War II until the collapse of the Soviet Union, not specifically after the Korean Conflict. The Korean Conflict, also known as the Korean War, took place from 1950 to 1953 and was one of the major conflicts during the Cold War. Therefore, the given statement is incorrect.
12.
Which of the following can be considered the first time there was actual combat during the Cold War?
Correct Answer
A. Korean War
Explanation
The Korean War can be considered the first time there was actual combat during the Cold War because it was a direct military conflict between the communist forces of North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and the non-communist forces of South Korea, supported by the United States and other UN member countries. The war lasted from 1950 to 1953 and resulted in significant casualties and destruction. This conflict marked a turning point in the Cold War as it demonstrated the willingness of both sides to engage in direct military confrontation.
13.
Which of the following countries was not part of NATO?
Correct Answer
D. Soviet Union (Russia)
Explanation
The Soviet Union (Russia) was not part of NATO. NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance formed by several North American and European countries to provide collective defense against potential threats. While the United States, France, and Great Britain are all members of NATO, the Soviet Union (now Russia) was not included in the alliance.
14.
Which of the following was NOT a key characteristic of the Soviet Union during the Cold War?
Correct Answer
D. Free-market economy
Explanation
The Soviet Union during the Cold War did not have a free-market economy. Instead, it had a planned economy where the government controlled and regulated all aspects of production and distribution. This meant that the prices of goods and services were set by the government, and there was little to no private ownership or competition. The Soviet Union's economic system was based on central planning and collective ownership, which is in contrast to a free-market economy where prices are determined by supply and demand and there is a greater emphasis on private ownership and competition.
15.
Which of the following leaders is not present at the Potsdam conference in July of 1945?
Correct Answer
B. Franklin D. Roosevelt
Explanation
Franklin D. Roosevelt is not present at the Potsdam conference in July of 1945 because he passed away on April 12, 1945, just a few months before the conference took place. Therefore, he was unable to attend the conference, and Harry Truman, who became the President of the United States after Roosevelt's death, represented the United States at the Potsdam conference instead.
16.
When did the Korean conflict take place?
Correct Answer
B. 1950-1953
Explanation
The Korean conflict took place from 1950 to 1953. This was a war between North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and South Korea, supported by the United States and other United Nations member countries. The conflict began when North Korea invaded South Korea in an attempt to reunify the country under communist rule. The war ended in a stalemate with the signing of an armistice agreement in 1953, which established a demilitarized zone between the two Koreas.
17.
What goal does the President present to congress in this famous speech?
Source: Library of Congress, President John F. Kennedy, delivered in person before a joint session of Congress, May 25, 1961.
"…Finally, if we are to win the battle that is now going on around the world between freedom and tyranny, the dramatic achievements in space which occurred in recent weeks should have made clear to us all, as did the Sputnik in 1957, the impact of this adventure on the minds of men everywhere, who are attempting to make a determination of which road they should take. Since early in my term, our efforts in space have been under review. With the advice of the Vice President, who is Chairman of the National Space Council, we have examined where we are strong and where we are not, where we may succeed and where we may not. Now it is time to take longer strides—time for a great new American enterprise—time for this nation to take a clearly leading role in space achievement, which in many ways may hold the key to our future on Earth. First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish…"
Correct Answer
C. That the United States should send a person to the moon by the end of the decade
Explanation
In this famous speech, President John F. Kennedy presents the goal of the United States to send a person to the moon by the end of the decade. He emphasizes the importance of this achievement in the battle between freedom and tyranny, as well as its impact on the minds of people worldwide. Kennedy believes that landing a man on the moon and safely returning him to Earth will be a significant and impressive space project, crucial for the long-range exploration of space. This goal represents a great new American enterprise and a leading role for the nation in space achievement.
18.
JFK gave this speech in response to what Cold War event?
Source: Library of Congress, President John F. Kennedy, delivered in person before a joint session of Congress, May 25, 1961.
"…Finally, if we are to win the battle that is now going on around the world between freedom and tyranny, the dramatic achievements in space which occurred in recent weeks should have made clear to us all, as did the Sputnik in 1957, the impact of this adventure on the minds of men everywhere, who are attempting to make a determination of which road they should take. Since early in my term, our efforts in space have been under review. With the advice of the Vice President, who is Chairman of the National Space Council, we have examined where we are strong and where we are not, where we may succeed and where we may not. Now it is time to take longer strides—time for a great new American enterprise—time for this nation to take a clearly leading role in space achievement, which in many ways may hold the key to our future on Earth. First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish…"
Correct Answer
B. The laucnhing of the Sputnik satellite by the Soviet Union
Explanation
JFK gave this speech in response to the launching of the Sputnik satellite by the Soviet Union. The speech highlights the impact of the Soviet Union's achievement in space on the minds of people around the world and the need for the United States to take a leading role in space exploration. JFK proposes the goal of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth, emphasizing the importance and difficulty of this mission. This response to the Soviet Union's space advancements reflects the competitive nature of the Cold War between the two superpowers.
19.
The United States met JFK's goal of landing a man in the moon by achieving it in 1969.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because the United States successfully achieved JFK's goal of landing a man on the moon in 1969. This historic achievement was accomplished through the Apollo 11 mission, which saw astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first humans to set foot on the lunar surface. The landing of Apollo 11 on July 20, 1969, marked a significant milestone in space exploration and a major victory for the United States in the Space Race against the Soviet Union.
20.
Who was the military commander of the United Nations forces that fought the North Koreans during the Korean Conflict?
Correct Answer
B. Douglas MacArthur
Explanation
Douglas MacArthur was the military commander of the United Nations forces during the Korean Conflict. He was appointed by President Harry Truman to lead the troops in the fight against the North Koreans. MacArthur played a crucial role in the war, leading successful campaigns such as the Inchon landing and the recapture of Seoul. However, his insistence on expanding the war by attacking China led to his controversial dismissal by President Truman. Despite this, MacArthur's leadership and strategic decisions greatly influenced the outcome of the conflict.
21.
What is the current situation in Korea?
Correct Answer
D. South and North Korea are two countries, with North Korea still an enemy of the United States
Explanation
South and North Korea are two separate countries, with North Korea still being considered an enemy of the United States. This implies that the current situation in Korea involves ongoing tensions between North Korea and the United States, despite the fact that South and North Korea exist as separate entities.
22.
What does the Bay of Pigs refer to in regards to the Cold War?
Correct Answer
A. The 1961 invasion of Cuba by U.S. trained Cuban exiles
Explanation
The Bay of Pigs refers to the 1961 invasion of Cuba by U.S. trained Cuban exiles. This invasion was a failed attempt by the United States to overthrow the Cuban government led by Fidel Castro. The invasion was a significant event in the Cold War as it heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, who were supporting the Cuban government. The failure of the invasion also had political consequences for the U.S. government, as it was seen as a major embarrassment and undermined their credibility in the eyes of the international community.
23.
Analyzing primary documents: According to the cartoonist, what was the result of the Bay of Pigs invasion:
Correct Answer
C. It was a military disaster and an embarrassment for the United States and John F. Kennedy
Explanation
The cartoonist portrayed the Bay of Pigs invasion as a military disaster and an embarrassment for the United States and President John F. Kennedy. This suggests that the invasion did not go as planned and had negative consequences for the US and its leader.
24.
Why did the United States send military forces to South Vietnam?
Correct Answer
A. To help stop South Vietnam from falling to Communism
Explanation
The United States sent military forces to South Vietnam to help stop South Vietnam from falling to Communism. This was part of the larger Cold War strategy of containing the spread of communism, as the US believed that if South Vietnam fell to communism, it would have a domino effect on other countries in the region. The US saw South Vietnam as a strategic ally and believed that supporting them militarily would prevent the communist takeover and preserve stability in the region.
25.
What Cold War event is this headline referring to?
Correct Answer
D. Cuban Missile crisis
Explanation
The given correct answer for this question is the Cuban Missile crisis. The headline is referring to an event during the Cold War, and out of the options provided, the Cuban Missile crisis is the most relevant event. The Bay of Pigs invasion was an unsuccessful attempt by the United States to overthrow the Cuban government, Sputnik was the first artificial satellite launched into space by the Soviet Union, and the Berlin Airlift was a response to the Soviet blockade of West Berlin. Therefore, the Cuban Missile crisis, which involved a tense standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over the placement of nuclear missiles in Cuba, is the most appropriate answer.
26.
What Cold War event is this headline referring to?According to this primary document, what is JFK threatening to do
Correct Answer
B. Attack the Soviet Union if Cuba attacks
Explanation
The correct answer is "Attack the Soviet Union if Cuba attacks." This is referring to the Cuban Missile Crisis during the Cold War. The primary document mentioned in the question is likely the letter sent by President John F. Kennedy to Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, where Kennedy warned that any attack on the United States from Cuba would be seen as an attack by the Soviet Union, and the U.S. would respond accordingly. This demonstrates the tense and dangerous situation during the Cuban Missile Crisis, where the U.S. and the Soviet Union were on the brink of nuclear war.
27.
According to this map, what was the danger of the Soviet Union completing the missile bases
Correct Answer
D. Soviet nuclear missiles would be capable of reaching the United States
Explanation
If the Soviet Union completed the missile bases, it would mean that they would have nuclear missiles that could reach the United States. This would pose a significant danger to the United States as it would put them within striking distance of Soviet nuclear weapons, potentially leading to a nuclear attack on American soil. This would have severe consequences for the United States and its national security.
28.
Which country would not be considered part of the Iron Curtain?
Correct Answer
A. Turkey
Explanation
Turkey would not be considered part of the Iron Curtain because it was not under the control of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The Iron Curtain refers to the division between Western Europe and the Eastern Bloc, which was dominated by the Soviet Union. Turkey, on the other hand, was a member of NATO and maintained its independence from Soviet influence.
29.
What Cold War event is this primary document referring to?
Correct Answer
A. Cuban missile crisis
Explanation
The primary document is referring to the Cuban missile crisis. This event occurred in 1962 when the United States discovered that the Soviet Union was secretly placing nuclear missiles in Cuba. It resulted in a tense standoff between the two superpowers and brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. The crisis was resolved through diplomatic negotiations, with the U.S. agreeing not to invade Cuba and the Soviets agreeing to remove their missiles.
30.
Which country did the United States remove missiles from after the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Correct Answer
A. Turkey
Explanation
After the Cuban Missile Crisis, the United States removed missiles from Turkey. This was part of a secret agreement between the U.S. and the Soviet Union to resolve the crisis. The removal of missiles from Turkey was a key concession made by the U.S. in exchange for the Soviet Union removing their missiles from Cuba. This agreement helped to deescalate tensions between the two superpowers and avoid a potential nuclear war.
31.
Which country came to the aid of the Communist forces by sending troops?
Correct Answer
A. China
Explanation
During the Korean War, China came to the aid of the Communist forces by sending troops. China's involvement in the war was driven by its desire to support North Korea, which was aligned with the Communist ideology. The Chinese troops played a significant role in the conflict, helping the North Korean forces push back against the United Nations forces led by South Korea and the United States. China's intervention shifted the balance of power in favor of the Communist forces and prolonged the war.
32.
Who was the leader of the Vietnamese Communist forces during the Vietnam war?
Correct Answer
B. Ho Chi Min
Explanation
Ho Chi Minh was the leader of the Vietnamese Communist forces during the Vietnam War. He played a crucial role in the fight against French colonial rule and later against the United States. Ho Chi Minh was the founder and president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, and he led the Viet Minh, which eventually became the North Vietnamese army. Under his leadership, the Vietnamese Communist forces successfully resisted and ultimately defeated the American military intervention in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is considered a national hero in Vietnam and a symbol of resistance against imperialism.
33.
This event symbolized the Vietnam war coming to the home front, it showed the anger and disagreement by many Americans about the war in Vietnam:
Correct Answer
A. Kent State Massacre
Explanation
The correct answer is Kent State Massacre. The Kent State Massacre was a significant event during the Vietnam War that took place on May 4, 1970. It occurred when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a group of unarmed college students protesting against the war. Four students were killed and nine others were injured. This event symbolized the growing discontent and opposition to the war among many Americans, as it demonstrated the violent clash between the government and its citizens.
34.
Which government did the United States support during the Vietnam war?
Correct Answer
B. South Vietnam
Explanation
During the Vietnam War, the United States supported South Vietnam. The U.S. government provided military and financial assistance to the South Vietnamese government in its fight against the communist forces of North Vietnam. The U.S. believed that supporting South Vietnam would prevent the spread of communism in the region and protect its strategic interests. The U.S. involvement in the war included sending troops, providing weaponry, and conducting airstrikes against North Vietnamese targets. However, despite the support, South Vietnam eventually fell to the communist forces in 1975.
35.
What did the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution do?
Correct Answer
B. It gave the President authority to send more troops to fight in Vietnam
Explanation
The 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution gave the President authority to send more troops to fight in Vietnam. This resolution was passed by the U.S. Congress in response to the Gulf of Tonkin incident, which involved alleged attacks on U.S. Navy ships by North Vietnamese forces. The resolution essentially granted President Lyndon B. Johnson the power to take any necessary measures to protect U.S. interests in Southeast Asia, including deploying additional troops to Vietnam. This resolution played a significant role in escalating U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.
36.
The following primary source shows what about Martin Luther King's views on the Vietnam war? Source: Martin Luther King, 1967
. . . it became clear to me that the war was doing far more than devastating the hopes of
the poor at home. It was sending their sons and their brothers and their husbands to fight
and die in extraordinarily high proportions relative to the rest of the population. We were
taking the black young men who had been crippled by our society and sending them
eight thousand miles away to guarantee liberties in Southeast Asia which they had not
found in southwest Georgia and East Harlem.
Correct Answer
B. He did not think that African-Americans should be sent to fight in a Vietnam.
Explanation
The primary source by Martin Luther King suggests that he did not think African-Americans should be sent to fight in Vietnam. He argues that the war was disproportionately affecting the poor and black communities, who were already marginalized in society. He criticizes the idea of sending black young men who had been oppressed by society to fight for liberties in Southeast Asia that they had not yet experienced in their own communities. This implies that he believed African-Americans should not be involved in the war effort.
37.
What did the War Powers Act accomplish: Source: The War Powers Act, 1973
SEC. 5(b) Within sixty calendar days after a report is submitted or is required to be
submitted pursuant to section 4(a)(l), whichever is earlier, the President shall terminate
any use of United States Armed Forces with respect to which such report was submitted
(or required to be submitted), unless the Congress (1) has declared war or has enacted a
specific authorization for such use of United States Armed Forces, (2) has extended by
law such sixty-day
Correct Answer
A. It limited the power of the President to send troops to fight overseas.
Explanation
The correct answer is "It limited the power of the President to send troops to fight overseas." This is because the War Powers Act required the President to seek congressional approval within 60 days of deploying troops in a foreign conflict, unless Congress declared war or authorized the use of military force. This act was passed in response to concerns about the executive branch's ability to unilaterally commit US forces to combat without sufficient oversight from Congress.
38.
How did the Cold War end?
Correct Answer
C. The Soviet Union collapsed.
Explanation
The correct answer is "The Soviet Union collapsed." This is because the Cold War was primarily a political and ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War as it weakened the Soviet influence and power, leading to a shift in global dynamics. The United States invasion of the Soviet Union or dropping atomic bombs on China and the Soviet Union are not accurate statements and did not contribute to the end of the Cold War.