Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 1 of 33
The Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan represented attempts by the United
States to deal with the
1.
2.
3.
4.
national debt
spread of communism
President’s political opposition
arms race
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: The Truman Doctrine was request to the US Congress for assistance
for Greece and Turkey (weapons, food, aid) in their on-going struggle against
Communism within their nations. The Marshall plan was billions of dollars in US aid
for the war revenged nations of Europe, following the Second World War. The
intention of the Marshall plan was to provide an incentive for the nations of Europe
to reject a move to communism and allow a stable transition to democratic
governments.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 2 of 33
Both the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba (1961) and the invasion of Panama (1989) are
examples of United States attempts to
1.
2.
3.
4.
eliminate unfriendly governments geographically close to the United States
cultivate good relations with Latin American nations
stop the drug trade
end the Cold War
Correct Answer Number: 1
Explanation: Concepts such as the Monroe Doctrine (1823) and the Roosevelt
Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine (1904), have given the US a greater involvement in
the affairs of Latin American nations. The US backed, failed attempt to unseat Fidel
Castro as leader of Cuba in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion and the arrest of convicted
drug trafficker and Panamanian President Manuel Noriega, illustrated this on-going
involvement.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 3 of 33
The speakers below are discussing foreign policies that the United States has
followed at various times. Base your answers on their statements and on your
knowledge of social studies. Speaker A: Steer clear of permanent alliances with any
portion of the foreign world. Speaker B: The United States will give economic aid to
needy countries anywhere in the world, but will not provide military aid. Speaker C:
The United States must prevent the growth of communism. Speaker D: The United
States can take over other countries to help them become more like us. The Korean
conflict and the Vietnam conflict were attempts to carry out the foreign policy
described by Speaker
1.
2.
3.
4.
A
B
C
D
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: Speaker C is describing the main idea behind the US policy of
containment. The concept of containment was one in which the US government
exercised a foreign policy that aimed to halt the spread of communism. Actions such
as the Marshall Plan’s aid to European economies after WWII, the Truman
Doctrine’s aid to Greece and Turkey as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars
referenced above, all serve as examples of this policy in action.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 4 of 33
The speakers below are discussing foreign policies that the United States has
followed at various times. Base your answers on their statements and on your
knowledge of social studies. Speaker A: Steer clear of permanent alliances with any
portion of the foreign world. Speaker B: The United States will give economic aid to
needy countries anywhere in the world, but will not provide military aid. Speaker C:
The United States must prevent the growth of communism. Speaker D: The United
States can take over other countries to help them become more like us. Which
speakers would most likely support a United States foreign policy of intervention
1.
2.
3.
4.
A and B
A and C
C and D
B and D
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: An interventionist foreign policy called for the United States to be
actively involved in the affairs of other nations. Speaker C speaks of containment,
which would be exemplified by actions such as the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Speaker D seems to speak of imperialism, such as the US takeover of the Philippines
at the turn of the 20th century. Both of these policies show a link to the idea of
intervention in the affairs of foreign nations.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 5 of 33
“An attack on one shall be considered an attack on all.” This statement summarizes
the foreign policy known a
1.
2.
3.
4.
colonialism
nonalignment
appeasement
collective security
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: The concept of collective security is best summarized by the statement
provided; “An attack on one shall be considered an attack on all.”. Collective security
became a goal following WWII. Following the war, the United States and the nations
of Western Europe formed the collective security arrangement NATO (North
Atlantic Treaty Organization) as a method of stopping the spread of communism. The
collective security arrangement means that even the smallest nation in NATO not
fear invasion by communist forces, as to do so would mean a war with all NATO
members. The US is a member of several other collective security arrangements such
as SEATO (South East Asian Treaty Organization).
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 6 of 33
Shortly after World War II, the cold war developed mainly as a result of the
1.
2.
3.
4.
United States refusal to send economic aid to European nations
Soviet domination of Eastern Europe
competition between the superpowers to explore outer space
continuation of the pre-World War II balance of power
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: At the end of World War II the Soviet Union did not withdraw from
the Eastern European nations that it had liberated from German control. Instead, the
USSR set up communist governments in these nations, who were directly under the
domination and control of Moscow. The US and Western European governments
feared the USSR would attempt to expand the ‘Iron Curtain’ of communism further.
The resulting fear, mistrust and confrontation, gave birth to the nearly 50 year long
Cold War.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 7 of 33
A common purpose of the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the Eisenhower
Doctrine was to
1.
2.
3.
4.
carry out the United States policy of preventing the spread ofcommunism
insure the survival of the newly independent nations of Africa andAsia
limit the proliferation of nuclear weapons
provide medical aid to LatinAmerican nations
Correct Answer Number: 1
Explanation: The Truman Doctrine was request to the US Congress for assistance
for Greece and Turkey (weapons, food, aid) in their on-going struggle against
Communism within their nations. The Marshall plan was billions of dollars in US aid
for the war revenged nations of Europe, following the Second World War. The
intention of the Marshall plan was to provide an incentive for the nations of Europe
to reject a move to communism and allow a stable transition to democratic
governments. The Eisenhower Doctrine pledged assistance to any Middle Eastern
nation who was fighting a communist insurgency. All three of these serve to
exemplify the US policy of containment towards communism.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 8 of 33
A constitutional issue that was frequently raised about United States involvement in
the Korean conflict and the Vietnam conflict was the
1.
2.
3.
4.
right to regulate commerce with foreign nations
use of deficit spending to finance wars
lack of a formal declaration of war by Congress
Supreme Court’s role in foreign policy decision-making
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: In both the Korean and Vietnam ‘conflicts’ no formal declaration of
war by the US Congress was given. In the case of Korea, the conflict was a ‘police
action’ carried out by the United Nations. In the case of Vietnam, the issuance of the
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964) gave then president Lyndon Johnson nearly
unlimited power to “repel any armed attack against the United States and to prevent
further aggression”. In reaction to both of these conflicts, Congress passed the War
Powers Act in 1973 which calls for the president as Commander-in-Chief to notify
Congress within 48 hours of sending troops and to end such a conflict after 60 days,
unless approved by Congress.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 9 of 33
After World War II, the United States departed most sharply from its traditional
foreign policy when it
1.
2.
3.
4.
stopped foreign-aid programs
sponsored disarmament treaties
organized global systems of alliances
recognized revolutionary governments
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: The United States prior to World War II, followed mostly a policy of
neutrality and nonintervention. Following the war, the United States and the nations
of Western Europe formed the collective security arrangement NATO (North
Atlantic Treaty Organization) as a method of stopping the spread of communism and
the US was a leader in the creation of the United Nation. Both these organizations
changed the direction of US foreign policy and called on the US to take a much more
active role on the world stage.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 10 of 33
What was the main purpose of the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the
Berlin air-lift?
1.
2.
3.
4.
controlling Nazism in Europe
establishing friendly relations between the United States and the Soviet Union
spreading democracy to developing nations
limiting Soviet expansion
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: The Truman Doctrine was request to the US Congress for assistance
for Greece and Turkey (weapons, food, aid) in their on-going struggle against
Communism within their nations. The Marshall plan was billions of dollars in US aid
for the war revenged nations of Europe, following the Second World War. The
intention of the Marshall plan was to provide an incentive for the nations of Europe
to reject a move to communism and allow a stable transition to democratic
governments. In 1949 the USSR controlled, communist government of Eastern
Germany blockaded access to the democratic, western half of Berlin (the city of
Berlin was totally contained within Eastern Germany). Truman responded by
ordering the Berlin Airlift, a dropping of food, medicine and supplies into the city by
plane. These cases exemplify the policy of containment toward communism.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 11 of 33
In the years just after World War II, the United States attempted to prevent the spread
of communism in Europe mainly by
1.
2.
3.
4.
taking over the governments of several Western European nations
increasing opportunities for political refugees to settle in the United States
holding a series of summit meetings with leaders of the Soviet Union
establishing policies of economic and military aid for European nations
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: Two examples of these policies in action were the Truman Doctrine
and the Marshall Plan. The Truman Doctrine was request to the US Congress for
assistance for Greece and Turkey (weapons, food, aid) in their on-going struggle
against Communism within their nations. The Marshall plan was billions of dollars in
US aid for the war revenged nations of Europe, following the Second World War.
The intention of the Marshall plan was to provide an incentive for the nations of
Europe to reject a move to communism and allow a stable transition to democratic
governments.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 12 of 33
The Korean War and the Persian Gulf War were similar in that both
1.
2.
3.
4.
represented United Nations efforts to assist nations in repelling aggressors
involved unilateral military action by the United States
were military defeats for the United Nations
brought about lasting solutions to problems in each region
Correct Answer Number: 1
Explanation: In the case of Korea, the conflict was a ‘police action’ carried out by
the United Nations to repel the invasion of South Korea by the communist North
Korea. In the Gulf War, the UN responded to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait with a
international force intent on repelling the aggressor. Both conflicts serve as examples
of the UN’s ability to compile multinational forces for the purpose of maintaining
peace and regional stability.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 13 of 33
"Many foreign peoples, in Europe at least, are . . . frightened by experiences of the
past and are less interested in . . . freedom than in security . They are seeking
guidance rather than responsibilities. We should be better able than the Russians to
give them this. And unless we do, the Russians certainly will."
This advice to President Harry Truman helped influence Truman’s decision to
1.
2.
3.
4.
drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
end segregation in the Armed Forces
deport any person suspected of being a Communist
develop the Marshall Plan
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: The Marshall plan was billions of dollars in US aid for the war
revenged nations of Europe, following the Second World War. The intention of the
Marshall plan was to provide an incentive for the nations of Europe to reject a move
to communism and allow a stable transition to democratic governments.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 14 of 33
During the Korean War, what was the main reason that President Harry Truman
dismissed General Douglas MacArthur as commander of the United States troops?
1. The United States had suffered many severe military losses.
2. Congress refused to appropriate any more money to support the war.
3. President Truman believed that General MacArthur’s conduct threatened the
concept of civilian control over the military
4. General MacArthur disobeyed President Truman by deciding to stop fighting
the war.
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: During the Korean War, General Douglass MacArthur led UN forces
against the communist North Korean aggressors. He was also an outspoken critic of
the conduct of the war and the leadership of President Harry S. Truman as
Commander-in-Chief. After MacArthur openly defied a direct order from Truman
concerning the pursuit of North Korean forces into Chinese held territory, Truman
fired MacArthur. The firing serves as a classic example of civilian control over the
military, as the president in his role as Commander-in-Chief is an elected, civilian
official, not a member of the armed forces.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 15 of 33
During the Cold War Era, the easing of tensions between the United States and the
Soviet Union resulted in
1.
2.
3.
4.
the organization of the Warsaw Pact
the invasion of Hungary and Czechoslovakia
the Berlin Airlift
a treaty banning nuclear tests
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: During the 1970’s, mostly under the leadership of President Richard
Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, there occurred a ‘warming’ of the
Cold War also called détente. The result of improved relations with the Soviet Union
was a series of agreements designed to limited arms and nuclear proliferation.
Examples include the SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) Agreement which
established limits on the numbers of offensive weapons and the ABM (Antiballistic
Missile Treaty) which banned space based weapons and limited defensive missile
development as to avert another potential ‘arms race’.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 16 of 33
Which is a valid conclusion based on United States involvement in the Korean War?
1. The policy of containment was applied in Asia as well as in Europe
2. United Nations economic sanctions are more effective than military action.
3. The American people will support United States participation in any war,
whether declared or undeclared.
4. United States cooperation with a wartime ally ends when the war ends.
Correct Answer Number: 1
Explanation: The concept of containment was one in which the US government
exercised a foreign policy that aimed to halt the spread of communism. In Southeast
Asia, this policy was also coupled with the ‘Domino Theory’, which held that
stopping the spread of communism into one small nation (like South Korea or
Vietnam) was essential in preventing a domino effect that would cause all other
nations in the region to also fall under communist domination.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 17 of 33
A major long-term effect of the Vietnam War has been
1. an end to communist governments in Asia
2. a change in United States foreign policy from containment to imperialism
3. a reluctance to commit United States troops for extended military action
abroad
4. a continued boycott of trade with Asia
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: The US experience in Vietnam was one that left lasting changes to
society’s expectations and tolerance for war. The widespread protests against the
Vietnam conflict, fueled by video and images of the conflict on the nightly news, left
an indelible mark. As a result, the US has been reluctant to send troops into a ground
conflict. The US military has instead increased its capacity to make war from the air
and from a distance. Developments such as the stealth fighter, stealth bomber and
long-range cruise missiles have taken over the roles once filled by American fighting
men on the front lines. The nearly all long distance air wars in the Persian Gulf and
Kosovo serve as examples of this new approach to combat.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 18 of 33
The Truman Doctrine and the Eisenhower Doctrine were United States foreign
policies concerning
1.
2.
3.
4.
the international balance of payments
the containment of communism
world-wide environmental pollution
nuclear disarmament
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: The Truman Doctrine was request to the US Congress for assistance
for Greece and Turkey (weapons, food, aid) in their on-going struggle against
Communism within their nations. The Eisenhower Doctrine pledged assistance to any
Middle Eastern nation who was fighting a communist insurgency. All three of these
serve to exemplify the US policy of containment towards communism.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 19 of 33
The primary purpose of the War Powers Act (1973) is to
1.
2.
3.
4.
limit Presidential power to send troops into combat
allow for a quicker response to a military attack
assure adequate defense of the Western Hemisphere
stop the use of troops for nonmilitary purposes
Correct Answer Number: 1
Explanation: In both the Korean and Vietnam ‘conflicts’ no formal declaration of
war by the US Congress was given. In the case of Korea, the conflict was a ‘police
action’ carried out by the United Nations. In the case of Vietnam, the issuance of the
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964) gave then president Lyndon Johnson nearly
unlimited power to “repel any armed attack against the United States and to prevent
further aggression”. In reaction to both of these conflicts, Congress passed the War
Powers Act in 1973 which calls for the president as Commander-in-Chief to notify
Congress within 48 hours of sending troops and to end such a conflict after 60 days,
unless approved by Congress.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 20 of 33
". . . Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any
price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to
assure the survival and the success of liberty."
Which conclusion is best supported by this quotation from the Inaugural Address of
President John F. Kennedy in 1961?
1. The Cold War was over, and the Soviet Union was beginning to unravel.
2. President Kennedy was encouraging a very strong presence in foreign policy
in the post-World War II period.
3. Compromise and appeasement were the best avenues to world peace.
4. President Kennedy understood the limitations of power, even for a strong
nation like the United States
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: The United States prior to World War II, followed mostly a policy of
neutrality and nonintervention. Following the war, the United States and the nations
of Western Europe formed the collective security arrangement NATO (North
Atlantic Treaty Organization) as a method of stopping the spread of communism and
the US was a leader in the creation of the United Nation. Both these organizations
changed the direction of US foreign policy and called on the US to take a much more
active role on the world stage.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 21 of 33
The intent of the War Powers Act of 1973 is to limit the President’s power to
1.
2.
3.
4.
send troops to rescue Americans held captive by terrorists in a foreign nation
use troops to defend against an armed attack on the United States
send troops to suppress a riot in an American city
commit troops to major military operations in a foreign nation
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: In both the Korean and Vietnam ‘conflicts’ no formal declaration of
war by the US Congress was given. In the case of Korea, the conflict was a ‘police
action’ carried out by the United Nations. In the case of Vietnam, the issuance of the
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (1964) gave then president Lyndon Johnson nearly
unlimited power to “repel any armed attack against the United States and to prevent
further aggression”. In reaction to both of these conflicts, Congress passed the War
Powers Act in 1973 which calls for the president as Commander-in-Chief to notify
Congress within 48 hours of sending troops and to end such a conflict after 60 days,
unless approved by Congress.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 22 of 33
From the end of World War II until the 1980’s, the United States carried out its
foreign policy mainly by
1.
2.
3.
4.
giving in to foreign demands
avoiding any situation that might involve the nation in a conflict
acting forcefully to obtain and control colonies
taking a variety of actions to prevent the spread of communism
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: At the end of World War II the Soviet Union did not withdraw from
the Eastern European nations that it had liberated from German control. Instead, the
USSR set up communist governments in these nations, who were directly under the
domination and control of Moscow. The US and Western European governments
feared the USSR would attempt to expand the ‘Iron Curtain’ of communism further.
The resulting fear, mistrust and confrontation, gave birth to the nearly 50 year long
Cold War. The main policy towards communism at this time was one of containment,
in which the US government exercised a foreign policy that aimed to halt the spread
of communism. Actions such as the Marshall Plan’s aid to European economies after
WWII, the Truman Doctrine’s aid to Greece and Turkey as well as the Korean and
Vietnam wars referenced above, all serve as examples of this policy in action.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 23 of 33
One similarity between the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War is that in each
conflict the
1.
2.
3.
4.
United States attempted to limit traffic through the Suez Canal
sentimet of the American public turned against the conflict
United Nations took action to halt the aggression
dictators of North Korea and Iraq were removed from office
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation: In the case of Korea, the conflict was a ‘police action’ carried out by
the United Nations to repel the invasion of South Korea by the communist North
Korea. In the Gulf War, the UN responded to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait with a
international force intent on repelling the aggressor. Both conflicts serve as examples
of the UN’s ability to compile multinational forces for the purpose of maintaining
peace and regional stability.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 24 of 33
Throughout United States history, the most important aim of the country’s foreign
policy has been
1.
2.
3.
4.
participation in international organizations
advancement of national self interest
containment of communism
development of military alliances
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation: The foreign policies followed the United States have always tended
towards the preservation of our own interests, at home and abroad. This has been true
as far back as the presidency of George Washington. In his farewell address George
Washington warned the fledgling America to stay clear of “entangling alliances” with
the Europeans, but to continue economic ties with the continent. This served US
interests by keeping us from being caught in a European conflict, while maintaining
economic interests with all nations. Even the Marshall Plan, which sought to halt the
spread of communism via economic aid to struggling European nations following
WWII, had the economic side-effect of increasing US trade to Europe as their
economies recovered. It is clear that US foreign policies are generally linked with
both to ideology as well as economics.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 25 of 33
United States annexation of the Philippines (1898) and military involvement in
Vietnam (1960’s and 1970’s) are similar because in each event the United States
1.
2.
3.
4.
achieved its long-range foreign policy objectives
put the domino theory into action
demonstrated the strength and success of its military power
provoked domestic debate about its involvement in the internal affairs of
other nations
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: Many of the protestors opposed to US involvement in the Vietnam
conflict believed the United States was overstepping its role by involving itself in
Vietnam’s internal struggles. Many disagreed with the government’s assertion of the
domino theory and believed that is was not the US’s role to play “policeman”. Many
of the voices of dissent during the Philippine war of the early 20th century (such as
William Jennings Bryan), questioned how the US could hold the ideals of democracy
and freedom, while denying it to the Filipino people.
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 26 of 33
The Peace Corps was established by President John F. Kennedy in an effort to
provide
1. support to developing nations of the world
2. job training for the unemployed
3. markets for consumer goods
4. teachers for inner-city areas
Correct Answer Number: 1
Explanation:
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 27 of 33
President John F. Kennedy supported the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba as an
effort to
1.
2.
3.
4.
remove a communist dictator from power
stop the flow of illegal drugs to the United States
support Fidel Castro’s efforts for reform
rescue hostages held by Cuban freedom fighters
Correct Answer Number: 1
Explanation:
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 28 of 33
The United States experience in the Vietnam War supports the idea that the outcome
of a war
1.
2.
3.
4.
is determined mainly by technological superiority
is dependent on using the greatest number of soldiers
is assured to countries dedicated to democratic ideals
can be strongly affected by public opinion
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation:
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 29 of 33
Which event led directly to the end of the cold war?
1. reunification of Germany
2. formation of the European Union
3. breakup of the Soviet Union
4. creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Correct Answer Number: 3
Explanation:
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 30 of 33
One way in which the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War are
similar is that in all three wars
1.
2.
3.
4.
the goal was to defeat the Soviet Union
the United States was primarily interested in protecting oil supplies
the United States was fighting without allies
no formal declaration of war was made by Congress
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation:
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 31 of 33
Which foreign policy decision by President Harry Truman is an example of the
policy of containment?
1.
2.
3.
4.
relieving General MacArthur of his Korean command
recognizing the new nation of Israel
supporting the trials of war criminals in Germany and Japan
providing military aid to Greece and Turkey
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation:
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 32 of 33
“Batista Driven from Power” “Bay of Pigs Invasion Fails” “U-2 Planes Reveal Soviet
Missiles” These headlines refer to the relationship between the United States and
1.
2.
3.
4.
Canada
Cuba
Mexico
Panama
Correct Answer Number: 2
Explanation:
Cold War Foreign Policy: Question 33 of 33
One reason for the creation of the Peace Corps by President John F. Kennedy was to
1.
2.
3.
4.
stop the spread of AIDS in Africa and Asia
gain control of territory in Latin America
provide workers for industrial nations
give support to developing nations
Correct Answer Number: 4
Explanation: