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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapters 21-22.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Halberstam say marked the end of the generals' faith in Diem?
(a) The influence of American interests on Diem's government.
(b) The drought and subsequent humanitarian crisis.
(c) The raid on the pagodas.
(d) The backlash against the army after the botched raids on the pagodas.

2. What does Halberstam say McNamara learned that he had to do in order to argue against nuclear weapons?
(a) Discredit military analysts in favor of nuclear weapons.
(b) Make emotional appeals to the electorate.
(c) Demonize his opponents.
(d) Make a good argument for conventional weapons.

3. What does Halberstam say happened that threatened the relationship between Diem and the Buddhists?
(a) Diem reneged on his promises.
(b) The Buddhists expanded their protests.
(c) The people backed the Buddhists against Diem.
(d) Diem and Nhu retreated into aristocratic aloofness.

4. How long had Ho Chi Minh's communism associations been known to the U.S., in Halberstam's account?
(a) Since 1931.
(b) Since 1946.
(c) Since 1941.
(d) Since 1954.

5. How does Halberstam say McNamara learned about the affairs in Vietnam?
(a) By conducting academic studies.
(b) By reading reports.
(c) By talking to people.
(d) By seeing for himself.

Short Answer Questions

1. What had happened to reduce the Communism threat by the time McNamara took over as Secretary of Defense?

2. What events does Halberstam say affected American perceptions of its global priorities?

3. Whose theories had been used as the basis for expanded militarization in the late 1940s?

4. How many soldiers had the U.S. sent to Vietnam in its first commitment of troops?

5. Why didn't Kennedy formulate a China policy, in Halberstam's account?

(see the answer key)

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