Topic 10 Test
In what way was the United States' decision to support the French in Indochina a departure from its usual foreign policy? The U.S. was concerned with the spread of communism in the west. The U.S. tended to let European nations handle their own affairs. The U.S. did not usually intervene in Asian countries. The U.S. was generally in favor of decolonization.
The U.S. was generally in favor of decolonization.
The term "Third World" was originally coined to refer to countries that had lower per capita incomes than average. were formerly colonies of European powers. had not yet adopted a democratic system. were aligned with neither the U.S. or the Soviet Union.
were aligned with neither the U.S. or the Soviet Union.
What can you infer from the map about the nature of the Tet Offensive? mc042-1.jpg It was a coordinated series of attacks on American military outposts. It was a military action mainly centered around the American Embassy in Saigon. It was a prolonged skirmish at Khe San which subsequently expanded elsewhere. It was an outbreak of sporadic, random acts of violence around the country.
It was a coordinated series of attacks on American military outposts.
What can you infer about the Berlin Wall from this photo of an East German soldier leaping over to the western side of the Wall? mc022-1.jpg It was mainly intended to keep East Germans from escaping to the West. It was an easily crossed arbitrary boundary between East and West Germany. It was primarily a barrier to prevent West Germans from defecting to the East. It was designed to protect East Germany against military attacks from the West.
It was mainly intended to keep East Germans from escaping to the West.
Based on the figures from the chart, the income tax rate was most likely raised 10% to account for mc027-1.jpg the higher rate of inflation. costs associated with Great Society initiatives. costs associated with the war effort. the rising costs of education.
costs associated with the war effort.
What impact did George Wallace's third-party candidacy have on the 1968 presidential election? mc033-1.jpg It siphoned votes from Humphrey's candidacy, allowing Nixon to win. It proved that a third-party candidate could never win a national election. It showed a third party could be a viable force in American politics. It had a minimal effect on the national election's outcome.
It siphoned votes from Humphrey's candidacy, allowing Nixon to win.
What best describes the statement this cartoon is making about the war in Vietnam? mc005-1.jpg It portrays President Johnson as a hapless and gullible leader. It is indirectly referring to Ho Chi Minh likening the North Vietnamese army to a tiger. It is insinuating that since France started the war in Vietnam, they should finish it. It suggests that the Vietnam War is destroying President Johnson's presidency.
It suggests that the Vietnam War is destroying President Johnson's presidency.
Critics of the Selective Service System argued that the draft was not fair. The system gave local draft boards considerable influence in selecting men for service, and it also granted deferments to college students and men who worked in certain designated occupations. Most of the 2.5 million men who served in Vietnam came from working-class and poor backgrounds. What measure did the Selective Service System take to address these criticisms of the draft in 1969? The draft was temporarily suspended pending a Supreme Court ruling. A "blind" application system was implemented, in which recruits' backgrounds were kept secret. The Selective Service System was abolished and military service was on a volunteer basis. A "lottery" system was implemented, in which recruits were picked at random.
A "lottery" system was implemented, in which recruits were picked at random.
What is the best summary of this statement by Martin Luther King, Jr. about the Vietnam War? It was sending their sons and their brothers and their husbands to fight and to die in extraordinary high proportions relative to the rest of the population. . . . [W]e have been repeatedly faced with the cruel irony of watching Negro and white boys on TV screens as they kill and die together for a nation that has been unable to seat them together in the same schools. --Martin Luther King, Jr, 1967 African Americans are dying in disproportionate numbers to whites and, although blacks and whites die together in war, blacks are still discriminated against at home. White and African American soldiers should be treated equally in combat situations as well as in schools. The Vietnam War is drawing attention and money away from the wars on poverty and discrimination. The Selective Service should not grant deferments to college students because it is unfair for poor African American men to have to go to war when rich while students do not have to fight.
African Americans are dying in disproportionate numbers to whites and, although blacks and whites die together in war, blacks are still discriminated against at home.
Why did South Vietnam fall to the communists after the Paris Peace accords? North Vietnam refused to sign the treaty until U.S. troops left South Vietnam. Hanoi surrendered but an uprising in the south brought a communist government to power. Both South and North Vietnam honored the treaty, but eventually the people of Saigon elected a communist government. American forces withdrew but fighting continued until Saigon fell to the communists.
American forces withdrew but fighting continued until Saigon fell to the communists.
The 26th Amendment In the turmoil surrounding the unpopular Vietnam War, lowering the national voting age became a controversial topic. Responding to arguments that those old enough to be drafted for military service, should be able to exercise the right to vote, Congress lowered the voting age as part of the Voting Rights Act of 1970. The Supreme Court upheld the legislation in a 5 to 4 vote in applying the lowered voting age to federal elections only. A constitutional amendment was required to uniformly reduce the age to 18. Endorsed by Speaker Carl Albert of Oklahoma, the amendment passed the House 400 to 19 on March 23, 1971. On June 30, 1971, Ohio became the 39th state to ratify the amendment; however the official ratification did not take effect until July 1 when the Government Services Administration opened for the day. With the 1972 elections looming, the 26th Amendment was ratified in record time. President Richard M. Nixon officially certified it on July 5. Why did it take some time before the provision lowering the voting age would apply nationwide? Opposition to the legislation was strong in Ohio. Draftees for military service were against the provision. The Supreme Court declared the legislation unconstitutional. An amendment requires ratification by individual states.
An amendment requires ratification by individual states.
The Missile Gap was in essence a growing perception in the West, especially in the USA, that the Soviet Union was quickly developing an intercontinental range ballistic missile (ICBM) capability earlier, in greater numbers, and with far more capability than that of the United States. Even as that perception was disproved, it became evident that the Soviets were placing their major effort toward developing strategic missiles against which, once launched, there was no defense. The perceived missile gap that ensued was based on a comparison between US ICBM strength as then programmed, and reasonable, although erroneous estimates of prospective Soviet ICBM strength that were generally accepted. —Central Intelligence Agency Library What was President Kennedy's response to the perceived "missile gap" between the U.S. and Soviet Union? He used harsh economic sanctions in order to hinder the Soviets' ability to produce nuclear arms. He adopted a "flexible response" policy to prepare the military for any type of conflict. He used diplomacy to reach an agreement in which both sides reduced their nuclear stockpiles. He adopted a "massive retaliation" policy focused on stockpiling nuclear weapons.
He adopted a "flexible response" policy to prepare the military for any type of conflict.
Ho Chi Minh's military doctrine hinged on fighting only when victory was assured, which meant never fighting on his opponents' terms. He compared his troops to a tiger, while the Americans were like an elephant. If the tiger stands still, the elephant will crush it. But if the tiger keeps moving and occasionally jumps on the elephant to take a bite out of it, the elephant will slowly bleed to death. What did Ho Chi Minh believe this strategy would ultimately accomplish against the American military? He believed that if the war went on long enough the South Vietnamese would grow tired of the conflict and surrender. He believed that if the North Vietnamese were patient enough they could defeat the American forces outright. He believed that if the North Vietnamese wore the American forces down enough they would eventually leave. He believed that if the North Vietnamese could just avoid defeat long enough the Chinese would eventually enter the war.
He believed that if the North Vietnamese wore the American forces down enough they would eventually leave.
You have a row of dominoes set up, you knock over the first one, and what will happen to the last one is the certainty that it will go over very quickly. So you could have a beginning of a disintegration that would have the most profound influences. What point is President Eisenhower making here with his domino analogy? Vietnam is merely the latest in a chain reaction of colonies seeking independence that began decades ago. There is no point supporting one colonial government when others are undergoing decolonization. If Vietnam were to fall to the communists, it would only be a matter of time before its neighbors followed suit. When free elections are established in one country, the seeds of democracy are planted in its neighboring countries as well.
If Vietnam were to fall to the communists, it would only be a matter of time before its neighbors followed suit.
How did the War Powers Act of 1973 affect the President's ability to conduct military operations? mc039-1.jpg It granted him the ability to order military strikes as quickly as possible. It forced him to consult with Congress before ordering any military strikes. It gave even more influence to members of his Cabinet. It dictated that military operations must first pass a congressional vote.
It forced him to consult with Congress before ordering any military strikes.
Why was the Selective Service System criticized as another example of social injustice? It tended to ignore qualified black recruits in favor of less qualified whites. It was completely random with no consideration given to a recruit's qualifications. It resulted in recruitment of people from poor or working-class backgrounds. It made it more difficult for willing volunteers to enlist in the service
It resulted in recruitment of people from poor or working-class backgrounds.
During the Vietnam War, what contributed to low morale among US troops and on the home front? A series of military defeats and fears over the use of nuclear weapons. Lack of progress and doubts about the wisdom of U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Fewer troop deployments, an increase in taxes, and a deteriorating economy. The ability of North Vietnam to reinforce its troops with soldiers arriving from China and the Soviet Union
Lack of progress and doubts about the wisdom of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
What best describes the main difference between many American troops stationed in Vietnam before 1965 and those stationed there after that date? Many troops stationed there before 1965 were highly trained, while many of those after had little training. Many troops stationed there before 1965 were motivated by patriotism, while many of those after wanted GI Bill benefits. Many troops stationed there before 1965 were volunteers, while many of those after were drafted into the service. Many troops stationed there before 1965 were commissioned officers, while many of those after were enlisted.
Many troops stationed there before 1965 were volunteers, while many of those after were drafted into the service.
American Troops Withdraw from Vietnam In October 1972, the United States and North Vietnam came to terms on a peace settlement. One month later, with lasting peace almost at hand, Nixon easily defeated the antiwar Democrat George McGovern for reelection. But Nixon's triumph was short-lived. The Vietnamese peace fell apart when North Vietnam refused to sign the agreement. Talks broke off, but renewed American bombing in North Vietnam finally induced the North Vietnamese to resume negotiations. How was the 1972 presidential election most like the 1968 election? A Democratic candidate was assassinated months before the election. Nixon used promises to end the war to his advantage. Nixon defeated an antiwar candidate in a landslide. Democratic votes were siphoned off by a third-party candidate.
Nixon used promises to end the war to his advantage.
Which of the following presidents did NOT contribute to the American involvement in Vietnam through his adherence to containment policy? John F. Kennedy Dwight Eisenhower Richard Nixon Harry Truman
Richard Nixon
Why did the United States ultimately decide to support the French rather than Ho Chi Minh's forces in the Indochina War? mc003-1.jpg The U.S. wanted to stop the spread of communism in Asia. The U.S. had a policy of not getting directly involved in Asian conflicts. The U.S. feared that France's nuclear stockpile might fall into the wrong hands. The U.S. generally supported colonial powers like France.
The U.S. wanted to stop the spread of communism in Asia.
How did the President's ability to conduct military operations change following the end of war in Vietnam? The Pentagon Papers divided war powers equally between the President and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The 26th Amendment dictated that all military actions must be approved by majority vote in both houses of Congress. The War Powers Act forced the President to consult with Congress before all military actions. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution gave the President virtually unlimited war powers.
The War Powers Act forced the President to consult with Congress before all military actions.
The Great Society program became Johnson's agenda for Congress in January 1965: aid to education, attack on disease, Medicare, urban renewal, beautification, conservation, development of depressed regions, a wide-scale fight against poverty, control and prevention of crime and delinquency, removal of obstacles to the right to vote. Congress, at times augmenting or amending, rapidly enacted Johnson's recommendations. Millions of elderly people found succor through the 1965 Medicare amendment to the Social Security Act. Nevertheless, two overriding crises had been gaining momentum since 1965. Despite the beginning of new antipoverty and anti-discrimination programs, unrest and rioting in black ghettos troubled the Nation. President Johnson steadily exerted his influence against segregation and on behalf of law and order, but there was no early solution.The other crisis arose from Viet Nam. Despite Johnson's efforts to end Communist aggression and achieve a settlement, fighting continued. Controversy over the war had become acute by the end of March 1968, when he limited the bombing of North Viet Nam in order to initiate negotiations. At the same time, he startled the world by withdrawing as a candidate for re-election so that he might devote his full efforts, unimpeded by politics, to the quest for peace. Lyndon Johnson's decision not to seek re-election in 1968 underscored what fact about his presidency? The war in Vietnam had jeopardized his reelection chances. Even at the war's lowest point, people still associated him with the Great Society. He prioritized winning the space race against the Soviet Union above all else. Despite his best efforts, he was able to accomplish little for civil rights.
The war in Vietnam had jeopardized his reelection chances.
What objective did American military leaders hope to achieve in North Vietnam with military campaigns such as Operation Rolling Thunder? mc025-1.jpg They believed that the strikes would lower the enemy's morale and drive the North Vietnamese to negotiate a peace treaty. They wanted to draw the North Vietnamese forces south where they could engage them in open combat. They hoped the display of air superiority would deter China and the Soviets from getting involved. They needed to weaken the enemy's defenses in preparation for a full-scale American invasion on the ground.
They believed that the strikes would lower the enemy's morale and drive the North Vietnamese to negotiate a peace treaty.
"On the first attack, the evidence would be pretty good. On the second one the amount of evidence we have today is less than we had yesterday. This resulted primarily from correlating bits and pieces of information eliminating double counting and mistaken signals. This much seemed certain: There was an attack. How many PT boats were involved, how many torpedoes were fired, etc.-all this was still somewhat uncertain. This matter may be of some importance since Hanoi has denied making the second attack." - National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy, at the White House staff meeting at 8 a.m. on August 5, 1964, discussing the Gulf of Tonkin incident This quote suggests that the decision to escalate the war in Vietnam was possibly based on the desire to bring, peace, freedom, and democracy to Vietnam. revenge for a senseless violation of international laws. the need to ensure the safety of the American people. flawed, manipulated, or misunderstood intelligence.
flawed, manipulated, or misunderstood intelligence.
Which of these best describes the "Americanization" strategy recommended by Robert McNamara and William Westmoreland? gaining the trust of the South Vietnamese people by setting up an American-style democratic government using American popular culture and consumer goods to lure North Vietnamese away from communism providing the South Vietnamese forces with the latest in American military technology and training having American forces take on a more active role in the Vietnam War
having American forces take on a more active role in the Vietnam War
I did not become vice president with Lyndon Johnson to cause him trouble. ?—Hubert H. Humphrey, 1965 As vice president during 1968—arguably the United States' most politically turbulent post-World War II year—Hubert Humphrey faced an excruciating test of statesmanship. During a time of war in Southeast Asia when the stakes for this nation were great, Humphrey confronted an agonizing choice: whether to remain loyal to his president or to the dictates of his conscience. His failure to reconcile these powerful claims cost him the presidency. Yet few men, placed in his position, could have walked so agonizing a tightrope over so polarized a nation. Which of these factors most likely cost Humphrey the election in 1968? his refusal to defy President Johnson on the Vietnam War his association with Robert McNamara and other hawks in Congress his poor record on poverty and civil rights issues his association with prominent antiwar radicals
his refusal to defy President Johnson on the Vietnam War
How was the Peace Corps different from other foreign aid initiatives such as the Alliance for Progress? its emphasis on public service and volunteering its focus on Third World countries its fostering better relations with Latin America its promoting the spread of democracy
its emphasis on public service and volunteering
During the Vietnam War, African American soldiers made up a disproportionately high number of casualties. could only serve in peripheral, non-combat situations. were barred from becoming commissioned officers or winning medals. were forced to serve in ill-equipped, segregated units.
made up a disproportionately high number of casualties.
J. William Fulbright (1905-1995) holds the record as the longest-serving chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, from 1959 to 1974. Elected to the Senate in 1944, he sponsored the Fulbright Scholars Act, creating Fulbright scholarships for Americans to study abroad, and for foreign scholars to study in the United States. In 1964, as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, Fulbright managed the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which gave President Lyndon Johnson sweeping powers to respond to military provocation in South Vietnam. Later, troubled over the gradual escalation of the war in Vietnam, Fulbright held nationally televised "educational" hearings on Vietnam, bringing the Arkansas senator to national attention. He publicly challenged the "old myths and new realities" of American foreign policy, and warned against "the arrogance of power." Fulbright's hearings on Vietnam showed how war supporters were losing ground in Congress. television was shaping public opinion. the domino theory was now widely accepted. the hawks were dominating broadcasting.
television was shaping public opinion.
What military strategy did President Nixon employ in Vietnam early on in his presidency? a "massive retaliation" policy the "Vietnamization" of combat operations a "flexible response" policy the "Americanization" of foreign affairs
the "Vietnamization" of combat operations
In an expanded sense, however, many American foreign-policy strategists misjudged the spread of communism. They concluded it was a monolithic global movement controlled by Moscow and Beijing. However, as the war's aftermath would attest, communist movements in Southeast Asia were nationalistic and intolerant of outside influences. In 1978, Vietnam invaded Cambodia and installed a pro-Vietnamese government. China supported the ousted Khmer Rouge. For more than ten years that followed, the U.S. supported a coalition of anti-communist Cambodian opposition groups that included the Khmer Rouge. Which idea, one which formed the basis of American foreign policy in the 1960s, was largely discredited by events of the 1970s in the wake of the Vietnam War? the "massive retaliation" military model the "domino theory" the "peace with honor" concept the "détente" strategy of diplomacy
the "domino theory"
Immediately after the Paris Peace Accords were signed on January 27, 1973, Operation Homecoming returned 591 prisoners of war who had been captured in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (two POWs from Vietnam and a Cold War POW were released from China). Some families and government officials expected a greater number of returnees, which gave rise to the urgency of the accounting mission. In 1973, the United States listed 2,646 Americans as unaccounted for from the war, with roughly equal numbers of those missing in action, or killed in action/body not recovered. From February 1973 to March 1975, teams from the United States and the Republic of Vietnam conducted joint, but restricted, searches for Americans missing in South Vietnam. On April 30, 1975, searches ended completely when the Communists took over Vietnam. In the 1980s the United States resumed its recovery efforts with high-level policy and technical meetings. Then in August 1987, President Ronald Reagan dispatched Gen. John W. Vessey, Jr. as a Special Presidential Emissary on POW issues, to find ways to resolve the issue. As a result of the Vessey meetings, the Vietnamese permitted American teams to search throughout the country, starting in September 1988. What proved to be the biggest obstacle to finding missing American soldiers in Vietnam following the war? the new communist regime in Vietnam the U.S. military's generally poor record keeping apathy at the highest levels of American government legal restrictions written into the Paris Peace Accords
the new communist regime in Vietnam
In response to this Soviet aggression, Kennedy demanded the removal of the missiles. In a dramatic television address on October 22, 1962, he blamed Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet premier, for causing a "reckless and provocative threat to world peace." He also announced that he had approved a naval quarantine (blockade) of Cuba to prevent the Soviets from completing the bases. Behind the scenes, however, Kennedy worked toward a diplomatic settlement. He indicated that he would remove U.S. missiles in Turkey and Italy if the Soviets removed their missiles in Cuba. After six tense days during which nuclear war seemed a real possibility, Khrushchev agreed to honor the blockade and remove the missiles. As Secretary of State Dean Rusk later told a reporter, "Remember, when you report this, that, eyeball to eyeball, they blinked first." Why did Secretary of State Rusk likely insist that the reporter remember, when reporting the story, that the Soviets "blinked first"? to provoke the Soviets into violating their agreement to deter the Soviets from further military operations in the West to bolster Kennedy's image as a strong and resolute leader to erode Khrushchev's credibility in the eyes of his own party
to bolster Kennedy's image as a strong and resolute leader
How did Clark Clifford's Vietnam policy differ from that of his predecessor Robert McNamara? Clifford favored more airstrikes to limit American casualties on the ground. Clifford favored sustained offensives on the ground to occupy key enemy territory. Clifford believed the Laos and Cambodia held the key to winning the war. Clifford believed the war was unwinnable and sought to reach a peace agreement.
Clifford believed the war was unwinnable and sought to reach a peace agreement.
The chart shows responses to the question: "Do you think the United States made a mistake sending troops to fight in Vietnam?" What is the best summary of the information on the chart? mc016-1.jpg In March 1966 a majority of Americans polled disapproved of the war. By April 1968, Americans were more polarized, with the number of people who disapproved of the war significantly higher than the number who approved. In March 1966 a majority of Americans polled approved of the war. By April 1968, Americans were more polarized, with the number of people who approved of the war significantly higher than the number who disapproved. In March 1966 a majority of Americans polled disapproved of the war. By April 1968, Americans were more evenly split, with the number of people who approved of the war somewhat higher than the number who disapproved. In March 1966 a majority of Americans polled approved of the war. By April 1968, Americans were more evenly split, with the number of people who disapproved of the war somewhat higher than the number who approved.
In March 1966 a majority of Americans polled approved of the war. By April 1968, Americans were more evenly split, with the number of people who disapproved of the war somewhat higher than the number who approved.
What impact did defense spending for the Vietnam War have on education in the U.S.? It had almost no impact, as education spending stayed roughly the same during the period. It had a major impact, as education spending increased dramatically during the period. Paying for the war affected education spending. It had a moderate impact, as education spending rose gradually during the period.
Paying for the war affected education spending.
How did U.S. policy in Vietnam change following the Tet Offensive? Policy makers thought the war unwinnable and began to negotiate for peace. The military relied less on ground troops and more on sustained airstrikes. Troop levels on the ground were increased significantly. The military focused on cutting off the enemy's overland supply routes.
Policy makers thought the war unwinnable and began to negotiate for peace.
What strategy did President Johnson's advisors Robert McNamara and General Westmoreland insist was necessary to winning the war in Vietnam? gradually ceding combat activities to the South Vietnamese army increasing naval presence in the Gulf of Tonkin to cut off the enemy supply lines withdrawing troops on the ground in favor of more surgical airstrikes committing more troops and taking a more active role in combat activities
committing more troops and taking a more active role in combat activities
The violence that erupted outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968 and the confusion inside gave the impression that mc032-1.jpg the nation was in disorder and the Democrats had lost control. conservative Democrats and liberal Republicans would form an alliance. the Democrats were ready to continue governing. the Republicans were steering the country toward peace.
the nation was in disorder and the Democrats had lost control.