Chapter Twenty-Eight
The Onset Of The Cold War
Multiple Choice
1. The conference at Potsdam in July of 1945 ended on a note of _______.
A) harmony
B) discord
C) uncertainty
D) confusion
E) regret
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Potsdam Conference concluded on a note of harmony as the leaders of the Allied
powers—Harry S. Truman (USA), Winston Churchill (later replaced by Clement Attlee)
(UK), and Joseph Stalin (USSR)—came together to discuss the post-war reconstruction of
Europe and the administration of Germany. Despite underlying tensions, the conference
ended with agreements on various issues, including the demilitarization and democratization
of Germany.
2. The fundamental disagreement between the United States and the Soviet Union at the
beginning of the Cold War was over _______.
A) who would control postwar Europe
B) who would control postwar Asia
C) which country had contributed more to the Allied victory
D) whether Truman or Stalin would lead postwar alliances
E) whether collective security was possible in the postwar world
Answer: A
Rationale:
The fundamental disagreement between the United States and the Soviet Union at the
beginning of the Cold War revolved around the control and influence over postwar Europe.
The United States sought to promote democratic governments and open markets, while the
Soviet Union aimed to establish communist regimes and buffer states in Eastern Europe,
leading to tensions over spheres of influence.
3. To what does the term “Iron Curtain” refer?
A) the border between North and South Korea
B) the military operation in which the United States dropped the atom bomb on Japan
C) the railroad system that was restored in Europe after World War II ended
D) the separation between Soviet-dominated Europe and Western Europe
E) the seemingly insurmountable class divide in postwar Western Europe
Answer: D
Rationale:
The term "Iron Curtain," coined by Winston Churchill in a speech in 1946, refers to the
ideological, political, and physical division of Europe into Western Europe, aligned with
democratic capitalist ideals, and Eastern Europe, under Soviet domination and communist
control. It symbolizes the division between the free world and the communist bloc during the
Cold War.
4. Which country came under Soviet control after World War II?
A) France
B) Norway
C) Hungary
D) the Philippines
E) Switzerland
Answer: C
Rationale:
After World War II, Hungary came under Soviet control as part of the Eastern European bloc
of nations that fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. The establishment of communist
rule in Hungary was a result of Soviet military occupation and political manipulation, leading
to the suppression of democratic movements and the imposition of communist governments.
5. The disarmament plan that the Truman administration proposed to the United Nations after
World War II was called _______.
A) the Potsdam Summit
B) the Baruch Plan
C) the Manhattan Project
D) the Cold War Treaty
E) containment
Answer: B
Rationale:
The Baruch Plan, named after Bernard Baruch, was a proposal for international control of
atomic energy and disarmament presented by the United States to the United Nations in 1946.
It aimed to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful uses of atomic
energy, but it faced opposition, particularly from the Soviet Union, leading to its eventual
rejection.
6. George Kennan’s “containment” policy proposed _______.
A) a long-term neutrality for the United States with respect to European affairs
B) a series of aggressive maneuvers against the Soviet Union
C) efforts to stop the expansion of communism and Russian control
D) a return to pre-war isolationist policies
E) a coup to replace communism with democracy in Europe and Asia
Answer: C
Rationale:
George Kennan's "containment" policy, outlined in his famous "Long Telegram" and
elaborated in the article "The Sources of Soviet Conduct," proposed efforts to contain and
limit the expansion of Soviet influence and communism. It advocated for the use of
diplomatic, economic, and military measures to prevent further Soviet encroachments and
promote the rollback of communist gains.
7. In 1946 and 1947, conflict in __________ caused the Truman administration to worry
about the spread of communism around the globe.
A) Egypt and Iran
B) Sweden and Norway
C) Belgium and France
D) Vietnam and Japan
E) Greece and Turkey
Answer: E
Rationale:
In 1946 and 1947, the Truman administration became concerned about the spread of
communism around the globe due to conflicts in Greece and Turkey. The Greek Civil War,
marked by communist insurgency against the Greek government, and Soviet pressure on
Turkey led to fears of communist expansionism in the Mediterranean region. This prompted
8. The Truman Doctrine stated that American policy would be to _______.
A) remain isolated from European and Asian affairs
B) take a more active part in rebuilding the war-ravaged Soviet economy
C) use military force to defend China against Soviet aggression
D) support any nation resisting armed minorities or aggression from a foreign power
E) help create democratic governments in the emerging nations of Africa
Answer: D
Rationale:
The Truman Doctrine stated that American policy would be to support any nation resisting
armed minorities or aggression from a foreign power. This policy, announced by President
Harry Truman in 1947, aimed to contain the spread of communism by providing economic
and military assistance to countries threatened by communist expansionism, primarily in
Europe.
9. The Marshall Plan proposed _______.
A) infusing massive amounts of American capital into Western Europe
B) bolstering the German army to prevent the spread of communism
C) an international effort to stop postwar global inflation
D) that all nations should immediately destroy their atomic weapons
E) dividing Germany into several areas of military occupation
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Marshall Plan proposed infusing massive amounts of American capital into Western
Europe. Officially known as the European Recovery Program, the Marshall Plan was
introduced by Secretary of State George Marshall in 1947 as a U.S. initiative to aid the
economic recovery of Western European countries devastated by World War II. Its primary
goal was to rebuild economies, promote stability, and prevent the spread of communism.
10. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) _______.
A) gave the Soviet Union more leeway in spreading communism in Europe
B) confirmed that the Soviet Union would halt its expansion in Europe and Asia
C) assured European countries that the United States would help defend them
D) committed the United States to an isolationist policy in the future
E) gave the United States the right to import goods tariff-free from Western Europe
Answer: C
Rationale:
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) assured European countries that the United
States would help defend them. Formed in 1949, NATO was a collective defense alliance
among North American and European countries, designed to counter the threat of Soviet
aggression in Europe. Its establishment marked a commitment by member nations to mutual
defense in response to an attack on any member, enhancing security and stability in the
region.
the Truman Doctrine and the implementation of containment policies in Europe and Asia.
11. What was the Berlin airlift?
A) a state-of-the-art transportation system designed to revive the postwar German economy
B) a top secret method of transporting American spies into and out of the Soviet Union
C) a military operation to bring supplies to troops and civilians in Soviet-controlled Berlin
D) the first plane capable of dropping a hydrogen bomb anywhere in the world
E) a mission to bomb Berlin after the Soviet Union cut off the city from American forces
Answer: C
Rationale:
The Berlin airlift was a massive humanitarian and logistical effort undertaken by the Western
Allies, primarily the United States and Britain, to supply West Berlin by air during a Soviet
blockade from June 1948 to May 1949. It aimed to prevent the Soviet Union from cutting off
access to West Berlin, demonstrating the determination of the Western powers to defend their
interests in the face of Soviet aggression.
12. The National Security Act (1947) established the _______.
A) U.S. embassy in Moscow
B) Navy SEALs
C) Air Force
D) Department of Homeland Security
E) three federal defense agencies
Answer: E
Rationale:
The National Security Act of 1947, signed into law by President Harry S. Truman,
reorganized and strengthened the United States' military and intelligence apparatus in
response to the emerging Cold War threats. It established the Department of Defense (DoD),
the National Security Council (NSC), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), aiming to
streamline national security decision-making, enhance military coordination, and bolster
intelligence capabilities.
13. As a result of military reforms during the Cold War, the __________ became the
dominant branch of the American armed forces.
A) Navy
B) Army
C) Air Force
D) Marines
E) National Guard
Answer: C
Rationale:
During the Cold War, technological advancements and strategic shifts elevated the
importance of air power, making the Air Force the dominant branch of the American armed
forces. The development of strategic bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs),
and reconnaissance aircraft, along with the emergence of nuclear deterrence strategies,
underscored the critical role of the Air Force in national defense and global power projection.
14. After the Soviet Union exploded its first atomic bomb, Truman appointed a committee to
explore the possibility of _______.
A) using biological weapons
B) building a hydrogen bomb
C) improving stealth planes
D) experimenting on “supersoldiers”
E) sabotaging the Soviet weapons arsenal
Answer: B
Rationale:
After the Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb in 1949, President Harry S. Truman
authorized the establishment of a committee, led by physicist Edward Teller, to explore the
feasibility of developing a hydrogen bomb, also known as a thermonuclear weapon. The
hydrogen bomb, exponentially more powerful than atomic bombs, became a focal point of
the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
15. The defense policy statement known as NSC-68 _______.
A) proposed to cut funding from the American military
B) advocated a massive expansion of the American military
C) allocated funds to Western Europe to combat communism
D) prohibited the development of the hydrogen bomb
E) emphasized the need to rely on diplomacy to deal with the Soviets
Answer: B
Rationale:
NSC-68 was a top-secret policy paper produced by the National Security Council in April
1950, during the Truman administration, in response to growing Cold War tensions and the
Soviet acquisition of nuclear weapons. It called for a significant increase in U.S. defense
spending, the expansion of conventional and nuclear forces, and the implementation of a
global containment strategy to confront Soviet expansionism.
16. Where did the United States and the Soviet Union face their first Cold War confrontation?
A) China
B) Japan
C) Vietnam
D) Korea
E) Cambodia
Answer: D
Rationale:
The first major confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold
War occurred in Korea. Following World War II, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel
into Soviet-controlled North Korea and U.S.-controlled South Korea. Tensions escalated into
the Korean War (1950-1953) when North Korean forces, backed by the Soviet Union,
invaded South Korea, prompting the United States, supported by the United Nations, to
intervene on behalf of South Korea. This conflict marked the first direct military
confrontation between the superpowers in the Cold War era.
17. What erroneous advice did General MacArthur give President Truman during the Korean
War?
A) MacArthur advised Truman to authorize an invasion of North Korea.
B) MacArthur advised Truman to retreat from the 38th parallel to avoid a possible Chinese
counterattack.
C) MacArthur advised withdrawing troops from Korea altogether because he thought that
China and the Soviet Union would obliterate U.S. forces.
D) MacArthur advised Truman to use diplomacy to negotiate peace because he thought
military efforts would be ineffective.
E) MacArthur advised Truman to drop an atom bomb on Seoul.
Answer: A
Rationale:
During the Korean War, General Douglas MacArthur, the commander of United Nations
forces in Korea, repeatedly urged President Harry S. Truman to expand the war by
authorizing an invasion of North Korea and potentially extending the conflict into China.
Truman, concerned about the broader implications of such actions, dismissed MacArthur's
advice, leading to tensions between the two and eventually Truman relieving MacArthur of
his command.
18. As president, Truman tried to _______.
A) win reelection in 1948 with the worst smear campaign in U.S. history
B) block the Congressional vote to end wartime controls
C) convert the entire Democratic Party into Dixiecrats
D) abolish New Deal programs that upset conservatives
E) perpetuate New Deal legislation begun under Roosevelt
Answer: E
Rationale:
As president, Harry S. Truman sought to continue and expand upon the New Deal programs
initiated by his predecessor, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Truman aimed to maintain key elements
of the New Deal, such as Social Security, labor protections, and economic regulations, to
address postwar challenges and promote economic stability and social welfare.
19. The Taft-Hartley Act was a 1947 bill that outlawed _______.
A) some labor union activities
B) the formation of labor unions
C) racial discrimination in hiring practices
D) gender discrimination in hiring practices
E) many child labor practices
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Taft-Hartley Act, passed by Congress over President Truman's veto in 1947, imposed
restrictions on labor unions and curtailed certain union practices. It prohibited unfair labor
practices by unions, such as jurisdictional strikes and closed shops, and authorized states to
pass right-to-work laws, allowing employees to work in unionized workplaces without
joining the union or paying dues.
20. The most famous disclosure of espionage activities in the U.S. government in the late
1940s involved the case of _______.
A) Alger Hiss
B) Dean Acheson
C) George C. Marshall
D) Thomas E. Dewey
E) Henry A. Wallace
Answer: A
Rationale:
Alger Hiss, a former State Department official, became embroiled in one of the most
notorious espionage cases of the Cold War era. In 1948, Whittaker Chambers, a former
Communist Party member turned anti-communist, accused Hiss of being a Soviet spy. The
subsequent trials and investigations, including Hiss's perjury conviction for lying about
espionage, captivated the nation and fueled fears of communist infiltration in the U.S.
government and society.
21. Julius and Ethel Rosenberg _______.
A) helped the CIA break a Soviet spy ring in the United States
B) were executed for passing American atomic secrets to the Soviet Union
C) were responsible for exposing Alger Hiss as a communist
D) admitted to being responsible for heinous war crimes during the Korean War
E) were American spies who shared valuable information about the Soviet Union
Answer: B
Rationale:
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were American citizens convicted and executed in 1953 for
espionage-related activities, specifically passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union during the
Cold War. Their case, often surrounded by controversy and claims of injustice, remains one
of the most famous espionage cases in American history.
22. Joseph McCarthy led the crusade against alleged __________ in American government
during the 1950s.
A) embezzlers
B) interventionists
C) communists
D) racists
E) isolationists
Answer: C
Rationale:
Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin led a notorious campaign in the 1950s to root out
suspected communists and communist sympathizers from various sectors of American
society, including government, academia, and entertainment. His aggressive tactics and
unsubstantiated accusations, often referred to as "McCarthyism," created a climate of fear and
suspicion known as the Red Scare.
23. What was Eisenhower’s campaign pledge that helped seal the election?
A) to bolster the economy with thousands of new jobs
B) to support labor unions in their fight for fair employment laws
C) to invade Russia and destroy the communist regime
D) to stop the creation of weapons of mass destruction
E) to bring the Korean War to an end
Answer: E
Rationale:
During Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidential campaign in 1952, he pledged to end the
ongoing Korean War, which had begun in 1950. This promise appealed to war-weary
Americans and contributed to his electoral victory over Adlai Stevenson. Eisenhower fulfilled
this pledge by negotiating an armistice with North Korea in 1953, effectively ending the
conflict.
24. In 1954, Indochina was divided at the 17th parallel, creating _______.
A) North and South Korea
B) Cambodia
C) North and South Vietnam
D) Indonesia
E) Cambodia and Vietnam
Answer: C
Rationale:
The division of Indochina at the 17th parallel occurred as a result of the Geneva Accords of
1954, following the First Indochina War. This agreement divided Vietnam into two temporary
zones, with communist forces controlling the north and anti-communist forces controlling the
south. The division ultimately led to the Vietnam War.
25. In 1954, Secretary of State Dulles signed a security treaty to agree to defend _______
from Chinese forces.
A) Vietnam
B) South Korea
C) Thailand
D) Indochina
E) Formosa
Answer: E
Rationale:
In 1954, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles signed the U.S.-Taiwan Mutual Defense
Treaty, commonly known as the Formosa Resolution or the Taiwan Defense Treaty. This
treaty committed the United States to the defense of Taiwan (Formosa) against any military
aggression from the People's Republic of China (PRC) and reinforced America's support for
the government of the Republic of China (ROC) led by Chiang Kai-shek.
26. How did the Allies decide to divide reparations in postwar Germany?
A) The Soviet Union would take all the war reparations from Germany.
B) The United States would take all the war reparations from Germany.
C) Each country would take reparations from its own occupation zone.
D) The countries would divide reparations from all of Germany.
E) No country would take war reparations from Germany.
Answer: C
Rationale:
After World War II, the Allies decided that each occupying power (United States, Soviet
Union, Britain, and France) would take reparations from their respective zones in Germany.
This decision aimed to rebuild the war-torn economies of the Allied countries.
27. The Soviet Union first learned of the American atomic bomb _______.
A) from President Roosevelt during the Yalta Conference
B) from President Truman at the Potsdam Conference
C) when Truman invited Stalin to see a film of a test
D) through the use of espionage
E) when the first one was dropped on Hiroshima
Answer: D
Rationale:
The Soviet Union first learned about the American atomic bomb through espionage activities
conducted by Soviet agents within the Manhattan Project, the top-secret American program to
develop atomic weapons during World War II.
28. What effect would the Baruch Plan have had on America?
A) It would have given the United States a monopoly on atomic weapons.
B) It would have neutralized America’s military advantage.
C) It would have returned the United States to isolationist foreign policies.
D) It would have had a catastrophic effect on the American military.
E) It would have greatly decreased American power overseas.
Answer: A
Rationale:
The Baruch Plan, proposed by Bernard Baruch in 1946, aimed to establish an international
system of controls over atomic energy and eliminate the development and use of nuclear
weapons. If implemented, the plan would have allowed the United States to maintain a
monopoly on atomic weapons, strengthening its global power.
29. How did the Soviet Union approach disarmament discussions after World War II?
A) with a plan to gradually reduce the number of weapons of mass destruction
B) with a plan to give atomic bombs to all the countries in the United Nations
C) with a plan to destroy all existing atomic bombs and ban the production of new ones
D) with a plan to have the United States serve as an international peacekeeping force
E) with a plan to give the Soviet Union possession of the world’s only atomic weapon
Answer: C
Rationale:
After World War II, the Soviet Union proposed a disarmament plan that called for the
destruction of all existing atomic bombs and the prohibition of their production. This
approach aimed to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and reduce the risk of nuclear
warfare.
30. What was the biggest factor in placing the United States on a collision course with the
Soviet Union?
A) the American commitment to stopping the spread of communism
B) the American commitment to spreading Christianity around the globe
C) the American commitment to improving international trade
D) the Soviet commitment to improving international trade
E) the Soviet commitment to spreading Catholicism around the globe
Answer: A
Rationale:
The ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, particularly
regarding the spread of communism, was the primary factor driving the two superpowers
toward confrontation during the Cold War. The U.S. policy of containment aimed to prevent
the expansion of communism, leading to conflicts and tensions with the Soviet Union.
31. Why were people in Italy and France voting for communist parties in 1947?
A) They were drawn to the irresistibly charismatic communist leaders.
B) They felt discontent due to economic problems and food shortages.
C) They were responding to pressure and threats from the Soviet Union.
D) They wanted to defy the American anti-communist attitude.
E) There were few other organized political parties in postwar Europe.
Answer: B
Rationale:
In the aftermath of World War II, many people in Italy and France were experiencing
economic hardship and food shortages, leading to widespread discontent. As a result, some
voters turned to communist parties, which promised solutions to these economic challenges,
thereby increasing their electoral support.
32. What effect did the Marshall Plan have?
A) It had very little effect because it was not carried out effectively.
B) It inspired the Soviet Union to continue to expand its communist empire.
C) It succeeded in forcing the Soviet Union to stop expanding its communist empire.
D) It failed to revive the sagging postwar economies of Western Europe.
E) It sparked a successful financial recovery in Western Europe.
Answer: E
Rationale:
The Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program (ERP), provided
substantial economic assistance to Western European countries devastated by World War II.
This aid facilitated the rebuilding of infrastructure, revitalization of industries, and restoration
of trade, contributing to the economic recovery and stability of Western Europe.
33. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed due to _______.
A) Western powers’ fears of Soviet military aggression
B) European fears of American military aggression
C) American fears of Chinese military aggression
D) Soviet fears of Chinese military aggression
E) Soviet fears of American military aggression
Answer: A
Rationale:
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was established in 1949 as a collective defense
alliance among Western European and North American countries, including the United States,
Canada, and several European nations. Its formation was driven by concerns about the
perceived threat of Soviet expansionism and military aggression in Europe following World
War II.
34. What effect did the formation of NATO have on the Cold War?
A) It changed the Cold War into a full-scale military confrontation.
B) It intensified Russian fears of the West and escalated the Cold War.
C) It had minimal or no effect on the Cold War.
D) It decreased Russian fears and eased Cold War tensions.
E) It dissolved U.S.-Soviet tensions and ended the Cold War.
Answer: B
Rationale:
The formation of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) heightened tensions between
the Western powers and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The establishment of a
military alliance among Western nations, with the United States as a prominent member,
contributed to Soviet fears of encirclement and aggression, leading to an escalation of
hostilities and the arms race.
35. In order to test the resolve of his American, British, and French opponents, in 1948 Stalin
_______.
A) tested his first atomic bomb
B) invaded China
C) invaded France
D) initiated a blockade of Berlin
E) began shooting down American planes
Answer: D
Rationale:
In 1948, Stalin initiated a blockade of Berlin in order to test the resolve of his American,
British, and French opponents. This action aimed to challenge the Western Allies' access to
West Berlin, which was located within the Soviet-controlled portion of Germany. The
blockade led to the Berlin Airlift, during which Western powers airlifted supplies to West
Berlin, demonstrating their determination to maintain their presence in the city despite Soviet
opposition.
36. The passage of the National Security Act in 1947 _______.
A) indicated America’s desire to decrease its military strength
B) coordinated and unified America’s military establishment
C) served only to further divide the Defense Department
D) weakened the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the United States
E) added unnecessary bureaucracy to matters of defense
Answer: B
Rationale:
The National Security Act of 1947 restructured and unified the U.S. military and intelligence
agencies under the Department of Defense and the National Security Council (NSC). This
legislation aimed to streamline national security operations, improve coordination among
military branches, and enhance intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities.
37. The defense policy known as NSC-68 was based on the premise that _______.
A) isolationism should continue to be a major part of American foreign policy
B) appeasement of aggressive foreign powers should continue to be a part of foreign policy
C) the Soviet Union wanted to take over the world and was a threat to the United States
D) military spending was out of control and needed to be curbed immediately
E) the United States was so powerful that it did not need to worry about foreign threats
Answer: C
Rationale:
NSC-68, a pivotal defense policy document adopted in 1950, framed U.S. Cold War strategy
based on the premise that the Soviet Union sought to expand its influence worldwide and
posed a significant threat to U.S. security and global stability. This policy advocated for a
significant increase in military spending and a more assertive stance against communist
aggression.
38. In the Chinese Civil War, Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalists _______.
A) lost support due to runaway inflation and corruption among Nationalist leaders
B) lost support due to the violence of the Nationalists’ repression of the Chinese
C) gained support because the Chinese middle class was finally flourishing
D) gained support because of Chiang’s pledge to end government corruption
E) faded as a factor in the Chinese political world
Answer: A
Rationale:
Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist government faced significant challenges during the Chinese
Civil War, including rampant inflation and corruption within its ranks. These issues eroded
public support for the Nationalist regime, contributing to its eventual defeat by the
Communist forces led by Mao Zedong.
39. How did the United States react to the 1950 Sino-Soviet treaty?
A) It congratulated Stalin and Mao on their treaty and offered to join their new alliance.
B) It openly threatened Stalin with war if he contributed to the spread of communism in Asia.
C) It warned the Soviet Union to stay out of East Asian politics.
D) To maintain its alliance with China, the U.S. sought to make peace with the new regime.
E) It refused to recognize the new Chinese regime and focused on Japan as its main ally in
Asia.
Answer: E
Rationale:
The United States reacted to the 1950 Sino-Soviet treaty, which solidified Soviet-Chinese
cooperation, by refusing to recognize the new Chinese regime under Mao Zedong and instead
focused on strengthening its alliance with Japan as its primary ally in Asia. This response
reflected U.S. efforts to contain the spread of communism in the region.
40. After General MacArthur’s victory at Inchon, Korea, Truman _______.
A) ordered UN troops to cross the Yellow Sea and attack China
B) ordered UN troops not to advance beyond the 38th parallel
C) withdrew UN troops from Korea because he had made his point to Stalin
D) shifted his military goal to unifying Korea
E) declared the Korean War over with a UN victory
Answer: D
Rationale:
After General MacArthur's successful landing at Inchon during the Korean War, Truman
shifted the military goal towards unifying Korea under the control of South Korea, advancing
beyond the 38th parallel. This decision reflected Truman's desire to push back against
communist forces and achieve a decisive victory in the conflict.
41. The most significant result of the Korean War was that it _______.
A) vindicated the United States in the eyes of the world
B) succeeded in unifying Korea for thirty years
C) brought about massive American rearmament
D) reinforced Truman’s popularity with the American people
E) inhibited the further expansion of communism
Answer: C
Rationale:
The Korean War prompted significant military buildup and rearmament in the United States,
as the conflict underscored the need for a strong defense against communist expansionism.
The war led to increased military spending and accelerated the growth of the U.S. militaryindustrial complex.
42. Truman’s prospects in the 1948 election looked _______.
A) very promising because he had successfully kept inflation down after World War II
B) promising because he unified Democrats and even some GOP leaders in his support
C) promising because he remained wildly popular with the public throughout his term
D) bleak because Democratic support had been split among several candidates
E) bleak because he lacked the funds to travel the country and garner support
Answer: D
Rationale:
Truman's prospects in the 1948 election appeared bleak due to internal divisions within the
Democratic Party, with some Democrats breaking away to support third-party candidates like
Strom Thurmond. This fragmentation weakened Truman's electoral base and threatened his
reelection chances.
43. Actions in which area helped Truman win the 1948 election?
A) the Cold War
B) labor issues
C) civil rights
D) his handling of the Korean War
E) New Deal reforms
Answer: A
Rationale:
Truman's handling of Cold War tensions, particularly his firm stance against communist
expansionism, played a significant role in his reelection in 1948. Voters perceived Truman as
a strong leader who could effectively navigate the challenges posed by the Cold War, which
bolstered his support among the electorate.
44. Why did Truman establish a loyalty program in 1947?
A) to interrogate citizens suspected of being political activists
B) to investigate government employees who were potential Communists
C) to investigate accusations of cowardice and treason in the military
D) to reward veterans of the Korean War for bravery and valor
E) to appoint campaign contributors to positions of power
Answer: B
Rationale:
Truman established a loyalty program in 1947 as part of efforts to root out perceived
communist infiltration within the government. The program aimed to identify and dismiss
individuals deemed disloyal to the United States, particularly those with suspected
communist sympathies, amid growing Cold War tensions.
45. How did Joseph McCarthy develop power over his fellow senators?
A) He physically threatened them.
B) He blackmailed them.
C) He instilled fear in them.
D) He bribed them with campaign contributions.
E) He was wildly popular with the public.
Answer: C
Rationale:
Joseph McCarthy developed power over his fellow senators by instilling fear in them through
his aggressive tactics and accusations of communist sympathies. He conducted highly
publicized investigations and hearings, creating an atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia that
intimidated many senators into silence or compliance with his agenda.
46. How did President Eisenhower deal with Joseph McCarthy?
A) He asked McCarthy to investigate military officers.
B) He ordered McCarthy to focus on celebrities, not government employees.
C) He openly attacked McCarthy and quickly ended his career.
D) He gave McCarthy his unconditional support.
E) He waited for McCarthy’s zeal to be his own undoing.
Answer: E
Rationale:
President Eisenhower chose to wait for Joseph McCarthy's zeal to be his own undoing.
Eisenhower did not openly attack McCarthy but instead allowed McCarthy's controversial
tactics and behavior to lead to his downfall. Eisenhower's approach was one of strategic
patience, allowing McCarthy's actions to discredit him over time.
47. What was one effect of McCarthyism?
A) a political and cultural conformity that discouraged dissent
B) outspoken support for freedom of speech
C) an intellectual revolution that encouraged new ideas
D) a drop in literacy rates among American youth
E) a wider appreciation of diversity in the United States
Answer: A
Rationale:
One effect of McCarthyism was a political and cultural conformity that discouraged dissent.
The era of McCarthyism was characterized by intense anti-communist sentiment, leading to
fear and suspicion of those perceived as having communist sympathies. This atmosphere
stifled free expression and encouraged conformity to prevailing political views, even at the
expense of individual liberties.
48. Which of the following was NOT a reason why Congress voted to implement the
Marshall Plan?
A) to strengthen the U.S. military and win the arms race
B) in reaction to a coup in Czechoslovakia
C) to stop the spread of communism across Europe
D) to improve the economy in Western Europe
E) in response to the perceived Soviet threat
Answer: A
Rationale:
Strengthening the U.S. military and winning the arms race was not a reason why Congress
voted to implement the Marshall Plan. The primary goals of the Marshall Plan were
economic in nature, aimed at rebuilding Western Europe after World War II and preventing
the spread of communism by fostering stability and prosperity in the region.
49. How did U.S. intervention in China differ from its intervention in Korea?
A) The United States could only respond with diplomacy in the Chinese conflict, but gave
supplies and funds to North Korea.
B) The United States responded with all-out war in China, but refused to get involved in the
Korean conflict.
C) The United States extracted itself from the conflict when civil war broke out in China but
sent troops to aid South Korea.
D) The United States sent troops to China when civil war broke out, but only sent money to
South Korea when the violence began.
E) The United States intervened with diplomatic efforts and supplies in North Korea, but did
not intervene in any way in China’s civil war.
Answer: C
Rationale:
U.S. intervention in China differed from its intervention in Korea in that the United States
extracted itself from the conflict when civil war broke out in China but sent troops to aid
South Korea in the Korean War. In China, the U.S. initially supported the Nationalist
government of Chiang Kai-shek but withdrew support when the Chinese Communist Party
gained control. In Korea, the U.S. intervened militarily to support South Korea against the
communist North.
50. Which statement best describes the transition from war to peace in America after World
War II?
A) The transition caused inflation and labor unrest.
B) The transition was an exceptionally smooth one.
C) The transition solved the wartime economic problems.
D) The transition was a period of contentment for the American people.
E) The transition gave Democrats an advantage over Republicans.
Answer: A
Rationale:
The statement that best describes the transition from war to peace in America after World War
II is that the transition caused inflation and labor unrest. The post-war period in the United
States was marked by economic challenges, including inflation, as wartime production
slowed down and soldiers returned home seeking employment. This transition also led to
labor unrest as workers demanded better wages and working conditions, contributing to a
period of adjustment and uncertainty.
Essay
1. How did the origins of the Cold War reflect different American and Soviet traditions, as
well as their different needs and interests in Europe after World War II?
Answer: The origins of the Cold War stemmed from contrasting ideologies, geopolitical
ambitions, and historical experiences between the United States and the Soviet Union. The
United States, with its democratic traditions and capitalist economy, sought to promote selfdetermination and open markets in Europe after World War II. In contrast, the Soviet Union,
under a communist regime, aimed to establish a sphere of influence in Eastern Europe to
ensure its security and spread its ideological influence. These differing needs and interests led
to tensions and competition for dominance, setting the stage for the Cold War.
2. What was the policy of “containment”? Who were its leading proponents, and how did
they implement this policy between 1947 and 1950?
Answer: The policy of "containment" was a strategic approach developed by American
diplomat George F. Kennan and endorsed by key policymakers such as President Harry S.
Truman and Secretary of State Dean Acheson. It aimed to prevent the spread of communism
beyond its existing borders, particularly in Europe and Asia. Proponents of containment
believed in using diplomatic, economic, and military means to contain Soviet expansionist
tendencies. Between 1947 and 1950, containment was implemented through initiatives such
as the Truman Doctrine, which provided economic and military aid to nations threatened by
communist aggression, and the Marshall Plan, which aimed to rebuild Western Europe and
prevent the spread of communism through economic assistance.
3. How did the Cold War bring about reforms in the United States military and intelligence
establishments in the 1940s and 1950s?
Answer: The Cold War prompted significant reforms in the United States military and
intelligence establishments to meet the challenges posed by the Soviet Union and the spread
of communism. In the aftermath of World War II, the United States restructured its military to
adapt to the new global security landscape, emphasizing the development of nuclear
weapons, strategic air power, and alliances such as NATO. Additionally, intelligence agencies
like the CIA underwent expansion and specialization to gather intelligence, conduct covert
operations, and counter Soviet influence worldwide. The Cold War era also saw
advancements in technology and tactics to address the unique challenges of the Cold War
conflict.
4. Why did Americans become concerned about the loyalty of government officials in the late
1940s? Why was Senator Joseph McCarthy so popular with the public? What brought about
his downfall?
Answer: Americans became concerned about the loyalty of government officials in the late
1940s due to heightened tensions of the Cold War, fears of communist infiltration, and highprofile espionage cases such as the Alger Hiss affair. Senator Joseph McCarthy capitalized on
these fears by launching a highly publicized anti-communist campaign, accusing numerous
individuals in government, Hollywood, and other sectors of being communists or communist
sympathizers. McCarthy's popularity stemmed from his aggressive tactics, media savvy, and
ability to tap into widespread anxieties about the perceived communist threat. However, his
downfall came about due to his increasingly reckless and unsubstantiated accusations,
culminating in the televised Army-McCarthy hearings in 1954, where his conduct was widely
criticized, leading to his censure by the Senate and the decline of his influence.
Test Bank for The American Story
Robert A. Divine, T. H. Breen, R. Hal Williams, Ariela J. Gross, H. W. Brands
9780205900688
