Chapter Twenty-Four
The Nation At War
Multiple Choice
1. The German sinking of the ________ in 1915 cost 128 American lives and enraged the
American public.
A) Sussex
B) Arabic
C) Nashville
D) Lusitania
E) Titanic
Answer: D
Rationale:
The sinking of the Lusitania by a German submarine in 1915 resulted in the loss of 128
American lives and provoked outrage among the American public. This event significantly
contributed to the growing anti-German sentiment in the United States and increased pressure
on President Woodrow Wilson to consider entering World War I.
2. In terms of foreign policy, Theodore Roosevelt _____.
A) did little to foster American aims
B) reflected the influence of isolationism
C) sought to prepare the country for its role as a world power
D) worked to further isolate the United States from foreign affairs
E) was supremely concerned with world peace
Answer: C
Rationale:
Theodore Roosevelt pursued an assertive foreign policy aimed at expanding American
influence and asserting the country's power on the world stage. Through initiatives such as
the construction of the Panama Canal and the implementation of the Roosevelt Corollary,
Roosevelt sought to position the United States as a major global player.
3. The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty _____.
A) secured Colombia’s permission for the building of the Panama Canal
B) gave the United States control of the canal zone in Panama
C) transferred rights to the Panama Canal from France to the United States
D) ended hostilities with Mexico in autumn, 1914
E) gave the United States control of the Philippines
Answer: B
Rationale:
The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, signed in 1903, granted the United States control over the
Panama Canal Zone, allowing for the construction and operation of the Panama Canal. This
treaty solidified American control over the strategic waterway and facilitated its completion.
4. The United States’ right to intervene in Latin America was stated in the _____.
A) Sussex Pledge
B) Zimmermann Note
C) Roosevelt Corollary
D) Lodge Corollary
E) Foster Testimony
Answer: C
Rationale:
The Roosevelt Corollary, an extension of the Monroe Doctrine articulated by President
Theodore Roosevelt in 1904, asserted the United States' right to intervene in the affairs of
Latin American countries to maintain stability and protect American interests. This policy
justified American intervention in the region to prevent European powers from intervening.
5. In mediating the conflict between Russia and Japan, Roosevelt _____.
A) showed little interest in the final outcome
B) sided with Russia, against Japan
C) took a totally neutral stance
D) recognized the increasing importance of Japan
E) tried to play both sides against the other with disastrous results
Answer: D
Rationale:
In mediating the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt recognized the
growing importance of Japan as a rising power in East Asia. By facilitating negotiations that
led to the Treaty of Portsmouth, Roosevelt aimed to maintain stability in the region and
safeguard American interests while acknowledging Japan's increasing influence.
6. In the 1905, Taft-Katsura Agreement, _____.
A) the United States and Japan agreed not to attack each other for at least 50 years
B) the United States accepted a Japanese pledge not to invade the Philippines
C) Japan agreed to limit emigration to the United States
D) the United States and Japan agreed to a policy of mutual free trade
E) the United States and Japan agreed to support Chinese independence
Answer: B
Rationale:
The Taft-Katsura Agreement, reached between the United States and Japan in 1905,
acknowledged Japan's dominance in Korea in exchange for Japan's recognition of American
control over the Philippines. This agreement effectively secured American interests in the
Philippines while recognizing Japan's sphere of influence in Korea.
7. Taft’s policy of “dollar diplomacy” _____.
A) used economic means to increase American influence worldwide
B) was primarily aimed at helping underdeveloped countries
C) resulted in decreased U.S. influence in Latin America
D) had little impact on American national security interests
E) helped establish the prestige of the United States in Asia
Answer: A
Rationale:
Taft's policy of "dollar diplomacy" aimed to expand American influence abroad through
economic means, such as promoting American investments in foreign countries. By
leveraging economic power, Taft sought to advance American interests and enhance stability
in regions of strategic importance, such as Latin America and Asia.
8. In his approach to foreign affairs, Wilson could be described as _____.
A) a militarist
B) a moralist
C) an economist
D) a global strategist
E) a pacifist
Answer: B
Rationale:
Woodrow Wilson's approach to foreign affairs was characterized by his moral principles and
idealism. Wilson prioritized concepts such as democracy, self-determination, and
international cooperation in his foreign policy, seeking to promote peace, justice, and
humanitarianism on the world stage.
9. Woodrow Wilson’s decision to invade Mexico in 1916 followed raids on border towns by
_____.
A) Vittorio Zapata
B) Pancho Villa
C) Francisco Madero
D) Victoriano Huerta
E) Carlo Ponti
Answer: B
Rationale:
Pancho Villa's raids on border towns in 1916, particularly the raid on Columbus, New
Mexico, prompted Woodrow Wilson to authorize a military intervention into Mexico to
pursue Villa and protect American interests along the border.
10. President Wilson’s first reaction when war broke out in Europe in 1914 was to _____.
A) declare support for the Allies
B) condemn the actions of the German army
C) praise the assassination of the Austrian archduke
D) declare United States neutrality
E) begin formation of a sizable navy
Answer: D
Rationale:
President Wilson's initial response to the outbreak of World War I in 1914 was to declare the
United States' neutrality, aiming to keep the country out of the conflict and avoid
entanglement in European affairs.
11. At the beginning of World War I, Americans _____.
A) showed little interest in the conflict
B) sided strongly with the British
C) were eager to enter the conflict
D) sided strongly with the Germans
E) generally accepted neutrality
Answer: E
Rationale:
At the outset of World War I, the majority of Americans favored a policy of neutrality,
reflecting a desire to stay out of the conflict brewing in Europe and avoid involvement in
foreign wars.
12. At the beginning of World War I, Great Britain _____.
A) respected American neutrality
B) made few attempts to influence American policy
C) sought the military aid of the United States
D) sought to restrict American trade with Germany
E) briefly considered a negotiated surrender
Answer: D
Rationale:
Great Britain sought to restrict American trade with Germany through measures such as
blockades and efforts to control shipping routes, aiming to weaken the German war effort and
gain an advantage in the conflict.
13. Compared with William Jennings Bryan, Robert Lansing _____.
A) was more idealistic
B) favored the German side in the war
C) urged a strong stand against the Germans
D) had little experience in foreign affairs
E) exemplified the philosophy “live and let live”
Answer: C
Rationale:
Robert Lansing, unlike William Jennings Bryan, advocated for a more assertive approach
against Germany during World War I, supporting measures to take a strong stand against
German aggression and protect American interests.
14. After the Sussex incident of 1916, the Germans promised to _____.
A) lift their blockade of the Allies
B) shoot on sight only ships of the enemy’s navy
C) withdraw from Belgium
D) attack all neutral vessels in their waters
E) sink any ship carrying cargo to the Allies
Answer: B
Rationale:
In response to the Sussex incident, the Germans promised to limit their submarine warfare to
targeting enemy warships rather than sinking merchant vessels without warning, aiming to
reduce tensions with the United States.
15. The Zimmermann Telegram _____.
A) announced Germany’s European war aims
B) pledged Germany’s intention to end the war peacefully
C) proposed an alliance between Germany and Mexico
D) had little effect on America’s move toward war
E) was actually a piece of British war propaganda
Answer: C
Rationale:
The Zimmermann Telegram was a secret communication from Germany to Mexico proposing
a military alliance against the United States in the event of American entry into World War I,
aiming to divert American attention away from Europe.
16. The leader of the American Expeditionary Force was _____.
A) Theodore Roosevelt
B) John J. Pershing
C) Alfred T. Mahan
D) Douglas MacArthur
E) Omar Bradley
Answer: B
Rationale:
General John J. Pershing commanded the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) during World
War I, leading American troops in combat operations on the Western Front in Europe.
17. The American Expeditionary Force _____.
A) was small and poorly equipped
B) consisted largely of the existing U.S. Army
C) was primarily a volunteer army
D) was initially well prepared and trained for war
E) was noted for its squads of elite commandos
Answer: A
Rationale:
The American Expeditionary Force initially faced challenges in terms of size and equipment,
as the United States had to rapidly mobilize and train troops upon entering World War I,
resulting in a force that was comparatively smaller and less equipped than those of other
Allied powers.
18. The American contribution in World War I _____.
A) was minor when compared to that of the other Allies
B) although relatively small, was vital to Allied success
C) played a predominant role throughout the war
D) was much greater than that of the other Allies
E) came too late to be of any real assistance
Answer: B
Rationale:
Despite its relatively smaller size compared to other Allied forces, the American contribution
in World War I was crucial to tipping the balance in favor of the Allies, particularly in
providing fresh troops, resources, and morale support.
19. How did Wilson ultimately organize the wartime economy?
A) He decentralized a variety of boards that had been tightly organized.
B) He appointed a number of economic advisors known as “czars.”
C) He established a series of highly centralized planning boards.
D) He raised taxes to fund the war effort, which angered the public.
E) He charged his cabinet with finding workable solutions.
Answer: C
Rationale:
President Wilson organized the wartime economy by creating centralized planning boards
such as the War Industries Board (WIB) and the Fuel Administration, which aimed to
coordinate and regulate various aspects of production, distribution, and resource allocation to
support the war effort efficiently.
20. To finance the war effort, the U.S. government relied primarily on _____.
A) higher income tax rates
B) printing paper money for war debts
C) sales of “Liberty Bonds”
D) new discoveries of gold in Alaska
E) loans from foreign governments
Answer: C
Rationale:
The U.S. government primarily financed the war effort by selling "Liberty Bonds," which
were government-issued bonds sold to the public as a means of raising funds for the war,
effectively mobilizing financial support from citizens and institutions.
21. Which of the following was NOT a function of the Fuel Administration during World War
I?
A) the introduction of daylight savings time
B) the rationing of coal
C) the coordination of shipping
D) the creation of “gasless days”
E) the allotment of oil
Answer: C
Rationale:
The coordination of shipping was not a function of the Fuel Administration during World War
I. Instead, the Fuel Administration focused on measures such as rationing coal, introducing
daylight savings time, implementing "gasless days," and managing the allocation of oil
resources.
22. How did the economic status of the United States change in the wake of World War I?
A) When the war began, the United States was a creditor nation. When the war ended, the
United States was a debtor nation.
B) When the war began, the United States was a debtor nation. When the war ended, the
United States was a creditor nation.
C) When the war began, the United States was an investor nation. When the war ended, the
United States was a lender nation.
D) When the war began, the United States was a lender nation. When the war ended, the
United States was an investor nation.
E) The economic status of the United States changed only minimally in the wake of World
War I and was nearly the same at the beginning and end of the war.
Answer: B
Rationale:
The United States emerged from World War I as a creditor nation, having loaned substantial
funds to European Allies during the conflict, which contributed to a shift in its economic
status from debtor to creditor.
23. As a result of their participation in the war effort, African Americans _____.
A) faced even worse discrimination in the United States
B) became more accepting of the conditions they faced
C) found greater acceptance within American society
D) were more and more inclined to fight discrimination
E) often chose to remain in Europe after fighting overseas
Answer: D
Rationale:
African Americans, having contributed to the war effort, became increasingly inclined to
fight against discrimination and inequality in the United States, leading to heightened
activism and advocacy for civil rights following World War I.
24. Wilson hurt his chances to get the Treaty of Versailles ratified _____.
A) through his failure to ask for the American people’s support
B) because he was unwilling to compromise with opponents
C) by working too closely with isolationist opponents
D) because he did not work hard enough to convince opponents
E) through his vague and hostile demands of his supporters
Answer: B
Rationale:
President Wilson's unwillingness to compromise with opponents and make concessions on
key points of the Treaty of Versailles, particularly regarding the League of Nations, hindered
his efforts to secure its ratification by the U.S. Senate.
25. One of Wilson’s major goals at the Paris Peace Conference was to _____.
A) punish Germany for starting the war
B) compensate the Allies for their great losses
C) found a League of Nations to enforce peace
D) bring the new Russian government to the peace table
E) collect awards and accolades from France
Answer: C
Rationale:
Wilson's primary goal at the Paris Peace Conference was to establish the League of Nations,
an international organization aimed at maintaining peace and preventing future conflicts
through collective security and diplomatic cooperation.
26. How can Wilson’s reaction to the sinking of the Lusitania be best characterized?
A) conciliatory diplomacy
B) forceful diplomacy
C) pessimistic diplomacy
D) moral pressure
E) reactionary
Answer: B
Rationale:
Wilson's reaction to the sinking of the Lusitania was characterized by forceful diplomacy, as
he demanded accountability from Germany and pushed for measures to protect American
lives and interests.
27. How was the role of the United States in foreign affairs changing in the years
immediately before the outbreak of World War I?
A) The United States continued to grow as an international power.
B) The United States had become the most powerful country in the world.
C) The United States was no longer an imperialist power.
D) The United States was no longer a colonial power.
E) The United States first entered global affairs.
Answer: A
Rationale:
In the years before World War I, the United States was increasingly involved in global affairs
and continued to expand its influence as an emerging international power, engaging in
diplomatic initiatives and interventions in various regions.
28. In what way was the construction of the Panama Canal as Roosevelt said, “the most
important action in foreign affairs”?
A) It gave the United States control over international trade.
B) It made the United States the world’s most powerful country.
C) It kept the United States out of involvement in World War I.
D) It solidified American influence in Latin America.
E) It gave the United States power over developments in Europe.
Answer: D
Rationale:
The construction of the Panama Canal was regarded as the most important action in foreign
affairs by Roosevelt because it solidified American influence in Latin America, providing
strategic control over maritime trade routes and reinforcing U.S. economic and geopolitical
interests in the region.
29. Why did Roosevelt announce the Roosevelt Corollary?
A) to gain power in the Pacific region
B) to keep European powers out of Latin America
C) to reshape the Monroe Doctrine completely
D) to forgive Latin American national debts
E) to gain access to Panama for canal construction
Answer: B
Rationale:
Roosevelt announced the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine to assert U.S. influence
in Latin America and prevent European powers from intervening in the affairs of sovereign
nations in the Western Hemisphere.
30. Why was the signing of the Taft-Katsura Agreement strategically important for the United
States?
A) It abandoned the Philippines to Japan but gained U.S. security in the Pacific.
B) It strengthened U.S. influence in China.
C) It gave the United States free rein in Japan.
D) It benefited U.S. trade with Japan.
E) It traded Korean independence for U.S. security in the Philippines.
Answer: E
Rationale:
The Taft-Katsura Agreement was strategically important for the United States because it
secured U.S. security interests in the Philippines in exchange for acknowledging Japanese
interests in Korea, effectively maintaining stability in the region and safeguarding American
territorial possessions.
31. What showed the weakness of Wilson’s “moral diplomacy”?
A) When a cabinet member was caught in a financial scandal, Wilson’s pride in his morality
was tested.
B) The exorbitant costs of moral reforms, such as Prohibition, tested Wilson’s resolve to
continue “purity” reforms.
C) The conflicts with Mexico and Germany demonstrated that U.S. morality would not keep
militarism under control.
D) The Hawaiian and Philippine annexations demonstrated to the world that U.S. morality
didn’t actually exist.
E) In his attitudes toward race relations, Wilson demonstrated that “morality” did not mean
equality for African Americans.
Answer: C
Rationale:
The conflicts with Mexico and Germany during Wilson's presidency revealed the weakness
of his "moral diplomacy" approach, as it became evident that moral principles alone could
not prevent military confrontations or effectively address complex international disputes.
32. How was Wilson’s treatment of Mexico similar to Roosevelt’s treatment of Colombia?
A) Both men were condescending in their dealings with Latin American governments.
B) Both men demonstrated abhorrence for people of color in their dealings with Latin
American governments.
C) Both men showed their inexperience with foreign affairs in their dealings with Mexico and
Colombia.
D) Both men demonstrated their fear of European interference in their dealings with Mexico
and Colombia.
E) Both men showed their respect and dependence on their neighbors in their dealings with
Mexico and Colombia.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Wilson's treatment of Mexico and Roosevelt's treatment of Colombia both involved a
condescending attitude toward Latin American governments, characterized by assertive and
unilateral actions perceived as disrespectful and imperialistic by the affected countries.
33. Why did the nation’s progressive reformers oppose the United States’ involvement in
World War I?
A) They were naturally pessimistic and knew that the United States would lose.
B) They understood how financially costly the war would be for the nation.
C) They did not believe the reports sent over from Europe.
D) They opposed the Allied position because it was one of aggression.
E) They felt the war was pursued for financial and commercial reasons.
Answer: E
Rationale:
Progressive reformers opposed U.S. involvement in World War I because they believed the
war was driven by financial and commercial interests rather than ideals of democracy or
peace. They saw it as benefiting wealthy industrialists and bankers at the expense of ordinary
citizens.
34. How did the Sussex Pledge affect U.S. involvement in World War I?
A) It escalated U.S. involvement.
B) It postponed U.S. involvement.
C) It eliminated U.S. involvement.
D) It complicated U.S. involvement.
E) It intensified U.S. involvement.
Answer: B
Rationale:
The Sussex Pledge, in which Germany pledged to stop unrestricted submarine warfare,
temporarily postponed U.S. involvement in World War I by reducing the immediate threat to
American lives and interests at sea.
35. How did the election of 1916 influence the nation’s involvement in World War I?
A) By electing Roosevelt, Americans showed their determination to remain neutral in World
War I, although this was a short-lived determination.
B) By electing Hughes, Americans showed their determination to remain neutral in World
War I, although this was a short-lived determination.
C) By electing Wilson, Americans showed their determination to remain neutral in World War
I, although this was a short-lived determination.
D) By electing Wilson, Americans showed their determination to enter World War I, whatever
the costs.
E) By electing Roosevelt, Americans showed their determination to enter the war, whatever
the costs.
Answer: C
Rationale:
The reelection of Woodrow Wilson in 1916, based partly on his promise to keep the United
States out of the war, initially reflected a desire by the American public to maintain neutrality
in World War I.
36. How did economic factors affect the changing position of the United States from 1916 to
1917?
A) The United States was greatly weakened financially by World War I and saw entering the
war as an economic necessity.
B) The United States grew rich from its neutrality during World War I and saw joining the
war as a way of increasing wealth.
C) U-boat attacks increased commerce for the United States by eliminating the competition,
so continued neutrality benefited the nation’s economy.
D) U-boat attacks prevented the United States from trading freely with Europe and required
U.S. involvement.
E) U-boat attacks cost the German government millions of dollars, making them even more
eager to draw the United States into the war.
Answer: D
Rationale:
Economic factors, including German U-boat attacks on American ships, disrupted trade and
threatened U.S. economic interests, eventually leading the United States to enter World War I
to protect its commercial and financial interests.
37. How did U.S. neutrality in World War I finally come to an end?
A) Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico and sank five American ships in ten days.
B) Russia formed an alliance with Germany that threatened U.S. interests in the Pacific.
C) The Allied nations begged the United States to intervene on their behalf.
D) Japan attacked the Philippines and Hawaii, killing hundreds of American citizens.
E) Germany formed an alliance with Cuba, threatening war against the United States.
Answer: A
Rationale:
U.S. neutrality in World War I ended after Germany's resumption of unrestricted submarine
warfare and the revelation of the Zimmermann Telegram, in which Germany proposed an
alliance with Mexico against the United States, leading to public outrage and eventual U.S.
entry into the war.
38. How did the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917 change the course of the war?
A) Germany’s own people began to revolt, leading to a weakening of the Central Powers,
giving the Allies an advantage.
B) The Polish people in Germany revolted, distracting German forces from fighting France
and Britain and giving the Allies an advantage.
C) Socialists in the United States refused to help with the war effort, inhibiting U.S.
involvement and prolonging the war.
D) Russia signed a treaty with Germany and dropped out of the war, which enabled Germany
to concentrate on fighting in the West.
E) Russia renewed attacks on Germany from the East, which weakened the Central Powers
on both fronts.
Answer: D
Rationale:
The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia led to the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk between
Russia and Germany, allowing Germany to shift its focus to the Western Front and intensify
its efforts against the Allies.
39. How did a convoy system impact the course of the war?
A) It used Allied destroyers to escort merchant vessels across the ocean and cut shipping
losses in half.
B) It was a system of maneuvers to transport supplies to the troops and keep the soldiers from
going hungry.
C) It was a flight technique that made it possible for Allied planes to avoid detection and
avoid drawing enemy fire.
D) It was a fighting technique that made it possible for troops to utilize poison gas, machine
guns, and other weapons from one location to another.
E) It was a new system of troop transportation that integrated blacks and white units and
allowed them to work together.
Answer: A
Rationale:
The convoy system, implemented by using Allied destroyers to escort merchant ships across
the ocean in groups, significantly reduced shipping losses by deterring German U-boat
attacks during World War I.
40. Which of the following events led to the realization among the German high command
that all hope was lost?
A) The Bolsheviks broke their treaty to rejoin the war and side with the Allies.
B) American troops cut the main railroad supply line for the German army in the West.
C) Congress declared that the United States was joining the war on the side of the Allies.
D) American troops began to use poison gas, hand grenades, and machine guns.
E) German troop ships were sunk by British and American navy vessels.
Answer: B
Rationale:
American troops cutting the main railroad supply line for the German army in the West
during World War I led to the realization among the German high command that all hope was
lost, as it severely crippled their logistical support and ability to sustain operations.
41. What effect did U.S. involvement in the war have on American civil liberties?
A) The federal government instituted committees and Congress passed acts to ensure the
safety and rights of war dissenters.
B) Women had more opportunities in war-related jobs, so their civil liberties increased,
especially in voting rights.
C) African Americans had more opportunities in war-related jobs, so their civil liberties
increased, encouraging integration.
D) Propaganda campaigns led to programs and congressional acts that interned German
Americans in work camps, denying their civil liberties.
E) Propaganda campaigns and legislation made inroads for Americans’ civil liberties.
Answer: E
Rationale:
U.S. involvement in World War I led to propaganda campaigns and legislative measures that,
while aimed at supporting the war effort, also contributed to the erosion of civil liberties,
such as restrictions on freedom of speech and press.
42. How was Eugene Debs affected by the passage of new laws during World War I?
A) He was arrested for denouncing the war and sent to prison.
B) He gained the right to run for president as a member of the Socialist party.
C) He was sent to prison on the charge of conspiring with the Germans.
D) He was sent to an internment camp with other German American citizens.
E) He was granted the right to check mail for treasonous materials.
Answer: A
Rationale:
Eugene Debs, a prominent socialist, was arrested and sentenced to prison under the
Espionage Act of 1917 for his outspoken opposition to World War I, reflecting the
suppression of dissenting voices during the wartime period.
43. How did Wilson direct the United States’ involvement during the war?
A) He used much of his considerable personal fortune for propaganda.
B) He established agencies to focus factory, food, and fuel resources on the war effort.
C) He instituted and then increased personal and business income taxes.
D) He worked to increase trade with Asia, Africa, and Europe.
E) He established federal programs that rewarded participation in the war effort.
Answer: B
Rationale:
Woodrow Wilson directed the United States' involvement in World War I by establishing
various agencies and mechanisms to mobilize the nation's resources, industry, and manpower
for the war effort, such as the War Industries Board and the Food Administration.
44. How were average Americans asked to participate in the war effort?
A) The men were drafted as soldiers, and the women were drafted either as nurses or factory
workers.
B) They were asked to save scraps of metal, rubber, and cloth to be turned into machines and
weapons for war.
C) They were asked to conserve gasoline, meat, and wheat; they were encouraged to plant
gardens to supplement their needs.
D) They were asked to donate a tenth of their income to the war effort, earning the name the
“war tithe.”
E) They were required to give a tenth of their income to the war effort, earning the name the
“mandatory tithe.”
Answer: C
Rationale:
Average Americans were asked to participate in the war effort by conserving essential
resources such as gasoline, meat, and wheat, as well as by planting Victory Gardens to help
supplement food supplies during World War I.
45. What was “labor peace,” and how did it affect the war?
A) “Labor peace” was workers agreeing not to strike so that they might work productively for
the war effort.
B) “Labor peace” was the term associated with the mainly socialist union workers who were
working for peace and against the war effort.
C) “Labor peace” meant workers striking peacefully, without resorting to violence or
underhanded tactics.
D) “Labor peace” described the more peaceful factory environment that welcomed women
and African-American workers.
E) “Labor peace” was an alliance of government, business, and labor that benefited
government and business interests.
Answer: E
Rationale:
"Labor peace" during World War I referred to the collaboration between the government,
businesses, and labor unions to ensure smooth industrial production and minimize labor
disputes, contributing to the overall war effort.
46. Which of the following was one of the few of Wilson’s Fourteen Points to be
implemented?
A) open diplomacy
B) freedom of the seas
C) removal of barriers to international trade
D) military disarmament
E) establishment of an independent Poland
Answer: E
Rationale:
Among Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points, the establishment of an independent Poland was
one of the few to be implemented, resulting in the creation of the independent Polish state
after World War I.
47. All of the following characterize the route recommended by the Isthmian Canal
Commission in 1899 EXCEPT that _____.
A) it followed natural waterways
B) it was the shortest route through Panama
C) it wandered through rough, swampy terrain
D) it was about fifty miles in length
E) it was supported by Roosevelt
Answer: A
Rationale:
The route recommended by the Isthmian Canal Commission in 1899 did not follow natural
waterways; instead, it involved the construction of an artificial water passage through the
Panama region.
48. What trend did Roosevelt hope to break by passing the Roosevelt Corollary?
A) the election of socialist governments by Latin American countries, such as Cuba and
Venezuela
B) the growing power of Colombia and Venezuela
C) the assertion of independence and new trade restrictions by Asian countries, such as China
and Korea
D) the default on European loans by Latin American countries, such as Venezuela and the
Dominican Republic
E) an increase in military power and corresponding influence of Asian countries, such as
Japan and the Philippines
Answer: D
Rationale:
Roosevelt hoped to break the trend of European intervention in Latin America due to the
default on European loans by Latin American countries by asserting U.S. influence in the
region through the Roosevelt Corollary.
49. How was Wilson’s practice of foreign affairs similar to his evolution over social reforms?
A) He tried to follow his predecessors’ policies and successfully did so throughout most of
his presidency.
B) He tried to follow his predecessors’ policies but failed to do so throughout most of his
presidency.
C) He tried to change his predecessors’ policies and ended up following most of them in the
end.
D) He tried to change his predecessors’ policies and managed to do so throughout most of his
presidency.
E) He went back and forth between supporting and then changing his predecessors’ policies.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Wilson attempted to change his predecessors' policies in both social reforms and foreign
affairs but ultimately ended up following many of them, suggesting a pattern of initial
opposition followed by accommodation.
50. Which of these best describes Wilson’s success in promoting the League of Nations?
A) The League was rejected both by Europe and by American voters.
B) Wilson’s plan was strongly supported in theory, but its terms were contested by Congress.
C) The plan never had any hope of gaining ratification.
D) The plan was supported internationally and ratified by Congress.
E) He was more successful abroad than domestically.
Answer: E
Rationale:
Wilson was more successful in promoting the League of Nations abroad than domestically, as
the plan faced significant opposition and was ultimately rejected by the U.S. Senate, despite
international support.
Essay
1. What actions marked America’s emergence as the major power in the Western Hemisphere
by 1920?
Answer: America's emergence as the major power in the Western Hemisphere by 1920 was
marked by several key actions. These included the construction of the Panama Canal, which
facilitated naval and commercial mobility between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the
implementation of the Monroe Doctrine, which asserted American dominance and influence
in the region while discouraging European intervention. Additionally, America's involvement
in World War I and its subsequent role in negotiating the Treaty of Versailles positioned the
country as a leading global power.
2. What concerns divided Americans in their attitudes towards neutrality and participation in
World War I?
Answer: Americans were divided in their attitudes towards neutrality and participation in
World War I due to a combination of factors. Some were motivated by a desire to uphold
traditional isolationist policies and avoid entanglement in European conflicts, while others
felt a moral obligation to support Allied nations or protect American economic interests.
Ethnic loyalties, pacifist sentiments, and concerns about the potential loss of American lives
also contributed to the divisions.
3. How were civil liberties curtailed in the interest of national security during World War I?
How do these actions compare with similar ones taken during the administrations of John
Adams and Abraham Lincoln?
Answer: During World War I, civil liberties were curtailed in the interest of national security
through measures such as the Espionage Act of 1917 and the Sedition Act of 1918, which
restricted freedom of speech and expression by targeting dissent and anti-war sentiments.
These actions paralleled similar measures taken by John Adams with the Alien and Sedition
Acts of 1798 and by Abraham Lincoln with the suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil
War. In each case, civil liberties were sacrificed in the name of preserving domestic order and
wartime unity.
4. Summarize Wilson’s plan for ensuring world peace after World War I. In reality, to what
extent would his plan have worked had it been fully implemented?
Answer: Wilson's plan for ensuring world peace after World War I was encapsulated in his
Fourteen Points, which included principles such as self-determination for nations,
disarmament, free trade, and the establishment of an international organization (the League of
Nations) to prevent future conflicts. While Wilson's vision was idealistic and aimed to
address the root causes of war, it faced significant challenges in implementation. The Treaty
of Versailles, which incorporated some of Wilson's principles but also imposed punitive
measures on Germany, undermined the effectiveness of his plan. Additionally, the United
States' failure to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and join the League of Nations weakened
international cooperation and ultimately hindered the success of Wilson's vision for world
peace.
Test Bank for The American Story
Robert A. Divine, T. H. Breen, R. Hal Williams, Ariela J. Gross, H. W. Brands
9780205900688
