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!

In spite of being a "dove," what did Isaacson suggest that Bohlen believed regarding the use of the American military? (from Chapter 24)

Bohlen believed that the U.S. had a moral obligation to oppose aggression.

Bohlen believed that America's willingness to fight wars was the only hope for world peace.

Bohlen believed that American interventionism had made America too reliant on military spending for its security.

Bohlen believed that peace could only be achieved if free people were willing to sacrifice in wars.

After Roosevelt and Churchill made their agreement, what became the responsibility of Averell Harriman? (from Chapter 8)

To direct the shift in the balance of power between England and the United States.

To direct the formation of foreign policy from Washington.

To act as a strong man against Stalin's bluntness.

To travel to Moscow to offer aid to the government of the Soviet Union in their confrontation against Germany.

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

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

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

How does Isaacson suggest that President Kennedy hoped to avoid war in Laos? (from Chapter 20-21)

Through back channel negotiations with leaders of the Soviet Union.

By calling on the support of allies in the area to come to America's aid for the war that was rapidly developing.

By supporting economic development throughout South East Asia.

With help from the British in reviving the International Control Commission.

What does Isaacson report Vice President Harry Truman was doing when news of President Roosevelt's death was first leaked? (from Chapters 9-10)

Truman was having dinner with his family as was his custom at that time of the day.

Truman was in a foreign policy briefing with the Council of Foreign Relations.

Truman was in Sam Rayburn's hideaway in the Capitol Building playing cards.

Truman was in the Vice President's office adjacent to the Senate floor preparing to go home for the evening.