The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made: Acheson, Bohlen,... Quiz

Take our free The Wise Men quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

What does Isaacson suggest was a practical challenge that Truman faced when he began his presidency? (from Chapters 9-10)

He was not well versed in foreign policy.

Truman was replacing Roosevelt who had become identifiable with the presidency.

Some people were not aware that he was the Vice President.

Truman, as vice president, had not been part of any post-war planning meetings nor had he been given any military secrets, such as the existence of the atomic bomb.

How does Isaacson claim President Truman planned to fight for support for the Marshall Plan in Congress? (from Chapters 13-14)

By calling for an emergency session of Congress and winning support for an "interim aid" bill.

By advising Democrat congressmen to amend planks of the plan to popular legislation so it would eventually get passed out of the notice of political opponents.

By campaigning across the country to rally popular support for the effort.

By vetoing every spending bill until the plan was accepted in Congress.

Why was General MacArthur fired according to Isaacson? (from Chapters 18-19)

MacArthur made statements criticizing China's strength and suggesting Chiang Kai-shek could open a second front against China with an invasion on the mainland.

Because MacArthur's belligerence had become a threat to world peace.

Because MacArthur's popularity within the U.S. was a threat to the Administration's efforts to control the direction of the war in Korea.

Because MacArthur was seen as unable to lead with the changes in technology and the enemy at hand.

How does Isaacson claim Joseph Stalin's temperament changed between Harriman's first and second meetings? (from Chapter 8)

In the first meeting Stalin was aloof and disinterested, in the second meeting he was eager and cooperative.

In the first meeting Stalin was scheming and evasive, in the second meeting he was congenial and open.

In the first meeting Stalin was panicked and demanding, but in the second meeting Stalin was calm and reasonable.

In the first meeting Stalin was candid and friendly, but in the second meeting he was confrontational, accusing and paranoid.

Who wrote the top-secret "recommendations for the use of nuclear weapons"? (from Chapters 9-10)

Harry Truman.

Colonel Paul Tibbets.

J. Robert Oppenheimer.

Douglas MacArthur.