Primary Source Exercises
B
According to Branch Rickey, the most important characteristics he needed in the first African-American baseball player included each of the elements below except (A) the ability to turn the other cheek, due to predicted treatment and harassment. (B) the ability to fight back with courage, determination, and skill whenever someone challenged the right of a black man to play baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. (C) good character and moral judgment in his personal life. (D) gracious and professional demeanor when speaking to the public and reporters.
C
According to John Muir, what do a "numerous class of men" believe about the world and its natural resources? (A) Natural resources are God's sacred creation, and should not be touched or harmed in any way, only revered from afar. (B) Women are better in touch with the natural world than men. (C) The value of natural resources lies only in what they provide to men, men of business and industry, especially. (D) Natural resources have no value at all.
B
According to John Muir, what is the purpose of natural resources? (A) The value of natural resources lies only in what they provide to men, men of business and industry, especially. (B) Nature's mountains, rivers, blooms -- all of its bounty -- are a kind of cathedral that people should visit regularly in order to cleanse their spirits and nurture their souls. (C) The nation's natural resources need to be used to make the machinery and weaponry that will allow America to spread its religion, culture and economic system to all corners of the world, with force if necessary. (D) The unpredictability of nature helps teach people to be aware that dangers are everywhere and they must be prepared.
A
According to Poussaint, which phrase was synonymous with Black Power? (A) Black Consciousness (B) Black Rage (C) Black Psychoanalysis (D) Black Connection
D
According to Secretary of State John Foster Dulles (Document 1), why was the "containment" policy of the Truman administration wrong for the times and circumstances? (A) Truman's "containment" policy was too blunt and aggressive an approach for building cooperative international relationships. (B) Dulles believed there was no possible way to contain the spread of communism and that the United States should just accept that a large portion of the world prefers that economic system. (C) Dulles believed that by 1954 communism no longer needed to be contained because it was no longer a threat to the United States and international stability. (D) "Containment" always places the United States in the position of reacting to localized threats, as opposed to creating and controlling its international engagements and stances on its own terms and with authority.
A
According to Stokely Carmichael, the so-called "Black Power" movement's intent is to (A) express the common experience and needs of the people who live in America's urban ghettoes and advocate for black self-reliance and economic self-sufficiency. (B) communicate a sense of a common cause shared between blacks and whites across America. (C) make clear that if blacks are to survive and thrive in America, they need to understand and work with the current power structure. (D) open communication with the most powerful white politicians and business leaders in America, so as to learn from them the best ways to approach getting America to change.
A
All below are complaints that black nationalists such as Malcolm X leveled at Martin Luther King Jr.'s approach to civil rights activism except (A) it would never generate enough volunteers or support. (B) it was too accommodating to the white establishment and culture-"Uncle Tom's." (C) it held little understanding of the conditions and lives of blacks who live in impoverished urban ghettos of northern cities and Los Angeles. (D) that because of its focus on integration into the dominant white culture, King's movement did not express pride in black heritage and ancestry.
I believe that the Eisenhower/Dulles approach was effective enough in protecting America from outside threats because allies are important figures countries can have to maintain control. Dulles suggested Massive Retaliation, however it would cause fear of mutual assured destruction (text). "Interim Financing of Opposition," which outlined how the US would help fund and aid away from the threat of Mossadeq, (doc 2). A more active, rigorous approach was needed, so in "VI. Tudeh," it discusses more ways to do this, "Zahedi must expect violent reaction from Tudeh and be prepared to meet with superior violence," meaning they must prepare to put all of their effort along with that of the SIS and CIA's to help prevent control of foreign powers (doc 2). An equal amount of power needed to be asserted for the goal to succeed to make these relations more effective and less costly (doc 1).
Do you believe the Eisenhower/Dulles approach was effective in keeping America safe and secure?
Theodore Roosevelt believed that large tracts of land should be preserved for common use because as he stated in his speech to the Conference of Governors at the White House in 1908, "the natural resources of our country are in danger of exhaustion if we permit the old wasteful methods of exploiting them longer to continue," (doc 4). His idea relates to the ideas about the role of the federal government during this period because this meeting was taken place in the midst of the Evolution of the Conservation Movement which occurred from 1850 to 1920. During this time, there was an economic shift from capital goods to consumer products and under Roosevelt, the conservation movement became a federal policy. The purpose was not really to end using natural resources for economic needs, but more so to be responsible and have a plan before using them (text 572).
Explain in your own words why Theodore Roosevelt believed that large tracts of land should be preserved for common use. How does this relate to ideas about the role of the federal government during this historical period?
C
How had the experience of fighting in World War II changed the mindset and determination of many African-American soldiers once they returned home? (A) Because African-Americans were not allowed to enlist in the U.S. armed forces at that time, the experience did not alter them at all. (B) Because they had witnessed the bravery of white soldiers in air battles and on the ground, African-Americans began to accept the fact that they could never attain the same level of skill and achievement as white Americans. (C) African-Americans who had fought against Nazis and Fascists and the horrors of racial annihilation abroad were ready to fight against the forces of racial oppression at home. (D) Many African-American soldiers wished to remain in Germany, because they believed that society was better there for people of African descent.
D
The employees of Pullman wrote to the governor of Illinois because... (A) Governor Altgeld grew up in Pullman. (B) governors and politicians were always on the side of labor during the Gilded Age and could be counted on for help. (C) the workers at Pullman wanted to announce their planned Socialist revolution. (D) the workers' efforts at negotiation with Mr. Pullman and his vice president, Mr. Wickes, were continually rebuffed.
D
The impact of media coverage of the Freedom Rides was (A) to generate a boon to the automobile industry. (B) to show Americans across the country how unprepared for citizenship southern blacks were in the 1960s. (C) negligible, due to the mainstream media's disinterest in the topic and lack of reporting. (D) to help build momentum for national action on civil rights, as America was confronted with images of dignified and brave people being severely and irrationally assaulted.
B
The main cause of the firings and reduction in wages for Pullman workers was... (A) that George Pullman disdained immigrant workers. (B) that the recession of 1893 caused a severe drop in orders for Pullman cars. (C) fallout from the Haymarket Affair. (D) the Great Depression.
C
The outcome of the Pullman Strike is best summarized by which statement? (A) The federal government established its role as the protector of workers and their rights and workplace conditions. (B) The American Railway Union thrived as a result of the successful strike at Pullman, thereby ensuring the safety and job security of generations of Pullman employees and workers in related fields. (C) The federal government established itself as the protector of big business and was most concerned with the uninterrupted flow of interstate commerce. (D) The American Railway Union thrived as a result of the successful strike at Pullman, thereby driving up costs to manufacturers, who lost their competitive edge.
B
The purpose of the Central Intelligence Agency, as utilized during the Eisenhower years, was (A) to gather the most talented and experienced foreign policy experts into one institution, located in Washington, D.C., so that the president would always have their guidance close at hand. (B) to ensure that America-friendly, anti-Communist governments emerged out of the post-World War II independence movements, using whatever tools necessary, including illegal, secret, and violent means. (C) to help support all anti-colonial independence movements around the world. (D) to coordinate all of the data and information needed for successful implementation of President Eisenhower's extensive infrastructure projects, such as the National Highway System.
A
What is the best interpretation of Governor Altgeld's statement, "They do not stand on the same footing with you, so that much must be overlooked." (A) Mr. Pullman should acknowledge the advantages of money, power, and influence he has over the workers and therefore forgive the workers if some of their actions do not make sense to him. (B) The workers are uneducated and should be forgiven if they do not understand the reasonableness and intent of Mr. Pullman's astute business decisions. (C) The workers who went on strike at the Pullman plant are men of lesser character than a successful businessman, such as George Pullman. (D) The workers at Pullman are hardworking and noble souls and Mr. Pullman doesn't measure up to them at all.
A
What is the irony, or unexpected reality, that President Roosevelt presents in his speech to the nation's governors in 1908? (A) As modern living pulls people further away from a connection with the natural world, modern communities actually rely on natural resources more than ever. (B) America may occupy a large landmass, but there are hardly any natural resources on it to utilize. (C) The country may be absorbing millions of immigrants, but through the miracles of modern technology, fewer resources are used. (D) Women are not allowed to vote, but without their energy and skills, the nation could not have achieved such a high status in the world.
C
What was the biggest threat to America's national security, according to foreign policy experts in both the Truman and Eisenhower administrations? (A) the gathering number of escaped Nazis who had found refuge in South America, particularly Argentina, at the end of World War II, who refused to give up their struggle to create a master race (B) the spread of radical Islamic ideologies that promoted jihad against the United States (C) the growth in power and influence around the world of Soviet and Chinese communism, combined with the Soviet Union's nuclear capabilities (D) the warming of Earth's climate, which threatened large-scale catastrophes and the displacement of millions of people around the world
D
Which "person" below best exhibits the ideals of a "pragmatic conservationist"? (A) the businessman who believes that natural resources are not useful unless they are harvested and utilized to create something new or power the modern world (B) a conservative leader who holds tightly to traditional religious principles, but who recognizes that the world is changing around him and he must make room for new ways of thinking about societal issues (C) the naturalist who believes it is a kind of "sin" to impede on nature's processes by damming up a river, forever altering ecosystems downstream, for example (D) a naturalist who recognizes that the modern world, with its cities, industries, and technology, requires a lot of natural resources to sustain, and the best idea is to protect and manage the nation's resources for the benefit of the most people in the society
Black Power of Stokely Carmichael was the most effective approach to civil rights activism because the united strength of the community from within. Black Power suggested things from electing more black officials to, "black Americans were a colonized people whose freedom could be won only through a revolutionary struggle for self-determination," (text 788). It began when Carmichael was questioned about his reaction to the tear gassing. Carmichael responded, "Black Power," (doc 3). Moses discusses regaining Black Consciousness which boosts African-American's confidence to stand-up for what they believe in, likewise, on their weaknesses, (doc 3). Poussaint spoke about how a "white women felt as if this movement needed to go a step farther," that's when a spark was ignited within the African-American community to stand together and look to change their daily lives.
Which approach to civil rights activism do you believe to be the MOST effective, that of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference or the Black Power of Stokely Carmichael? Why?
C
Which statement below best captures the overall point and focus of the New York Times article, Document 4? (A) The article's intent is to show sympathy for the ballplayers from southern states who are being asked to change their ways and beliefs so quickly. (B) The main focus of the article is on the shrewd business instincts of Branch Rickey and his desire to "tap" into the market for ticket sales to black New Yorkers. (C) The news story marks the historical event of the first black man being called up to play in the major leagues and expresses some concern over how Robinson will be treated by his major league peers. (D) The article expresses deep surprise and anxiety on the part of the New York Times' editorial board, about the idea of blacks playing for their beloved Brooklyn Dodgers.
D
Which word is repeated to describe Robinson's action? (A) Slowly (B) Quickly (C) Unwilling (D) Daring
A
Who or what does Pullman blame for the plight of workers in Pullman? (A) Foreign agitators are spreading discontent among the honest workers of Pullman. (B) Mr. Pullman accepts full responsibility for his poor business decisions that set the company on the path of struggle and hardship. (C) The workers are being manipulated by Governor Altgeld because he wants the votes of the working-class people of Illinois. (D) Governmental regulations increased costs, so Mr. Pullman had to lay off workers and decrease the wages of others.
A
Why did America's racial history and current status matter when it came to fighting the Cold War? (A) During the propaganda battles of the Cold War, the United States was vulnerable to charges of hypocrisy and even fascist behavior by the Soviet Union, when the brutalities of racial injustice came to light in the national and international media. (D) America's history of expanding democracy and opportunity to African-Americans served as a beacon of hope and example to the budding nationalist movements of Africa and Asia. (C) In competing for the hearts and minds of budding nationalist movements in Africa and elsewhere, American leaders were able to use the history of African-Americans' oppression and disenfranchisement as examples of just how powerful and superior the American system was. (D) The Cold War was primarily focused on the so-called 'Space Race,' and therefore the issue of genetic and cultural race was rarely an issue.
B
Why did the planners of the Iranian coup, 'Operation Ajax,' want to pay members of the Iranian Parliament, or the Majlis? (A) The Majlis was very pro-American, as opposed to the newly elected leader, Mohammed Mossadegh, who was radically anti-American. (B) A vote taken in the Majlis would likely be seen by the public as fair and legal, and therefore appear credible. (C) The Iranian currency was useless, so American dollars had to be used. (D) The Shah of Iran asked the agents to provide gifts of money to his friends in Parliament.
Mr. Pullman refused to offer any relief of the cost of rent or prices in Pullman stores, even though he decreased wages by 25% to 40% because I believe that Mr. Pullman was very selfish and cared about nothing except money. Pullman treated his workers very poorly, paying them little money based on their workload, but charging high rent. By charging more on rent, and paying his employees less than they deserved, he was making a great profit. He charged them so little that many of the employees and their families were starving (doc 1). Pullman claimed that paying his employees under what was deserved was necessary because otherwise, "the great majority of the employees be put in idleness," in which he claimed he was trying to avoid (doc 2). This eventually resulted in a strike to protest the reduction of wages, what we now know as the Pullman Strike (textbook 518).
Why do you think Mr. Pullman refused to offer any relief of the cost of rent or prices in Pullman stores, even though he decreased wages by 25-40 percent?
At this time, many cities had begun passing laws against discrimination and the Brooklyn Dodgers encouraged the change with the addition of adding Jackie Robinson to their major league baseball team (text 726-727). Jackie Robinson's character and actions off the field mattered so much more than the character and actions of white players because the general white public still looked at African Americans as less than them. These preconceived notions faced Robinson with any screw up would only worsen and support these ideas and make it more difficult to pave the way for other African Americans to play in the majors. Branch Rickey stated, "I wanted a man of exceptional intelligence, a man who was able to grasp and control the responsibilities of himself to his race and could carry that load," because it would place Jackie in relation to his whole generation and America of leaving the mark of "fine sportsmanship and fine character" (doc 1).
Why do you think that Jackie Robinson's character and actions off the field mattered so much more than the character and actions of white players?