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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Halberstam say was the conclusion of the study that analyzed the results of a bombing attack against the north?
(a) The report concluded that bombing would overwhelm the people, and drain support for further attacks.
(b) The report concluded that bombing would deter any further guerilla-style attacks against the South.
(c) The report concluded that bombing would strengthen the North by building opposition to the Americans.
(d) The report concluded that bombing would break the Vietcong's supply routes, and end resistance.

2. How was the situation changing in South Vietnam in early 1965?
(a) The government was losing credibility.
(b) The civilians were becoming more passive.
(c) The Communists were winning more territory.
(d) The Buddhists were becoming more restive.

3. What does Halberstam say affected the American attitude toward the war?
(a) The civil rights struggle in America.
(b) International resistance to the war.
(c) The American election schedule.
(d) The American media coverage.

4. In what way does Halberstam say that Lyndon Johnson resembled Kennedy in his management style?
(a) Johnson used a cabinet of enemies.
(b) Johnson did not seek a wide variety of opinions.
(c) Johnson trusted the military's reports.
(d) Johnson sought out expert opinions beyond his cabinet.

5. What does Halberstam say happened to Diem and Nhu after they fled?
(a) They were captured and killed.
(b) They were granted haven in Japan.
(c) They reached America and settled there.
(d) They returned to power.

6. What does Halberstam say the U.S. assured its generals during their meeting in Vietnam?
(a) That they would continue humanitarian aid.
(b) That they would be victorious by the end of 1966.
(c) That they would continue aid in the event of a coup.
(d) That they would not cross the border into Cambodia.

7. What plan was the U.S. government following by the end of 1964?
(a) Limit bombing but increase troops on the ground.
(b) Restrict operations to bombing missions.
(c) Pour as many resources as necessary into Vietnam.
(d) Expand the pacification program.

8. What does Halberstam say was the result of Johnson's method of planning for the war?
(a) He never raised taxes to pay for the war.
(b) He often took the most effective actions.
(c) He was compelled to water down his plans to accommodate his advisers' pet projects.
(d) He missed opportunities to let his generals take actions that might have been decisive.

9. Who does Halberstam say eventually took on the role of setting the tone for Vietnam policy?
(a) Harriman.
(b) Taylor.
(c) Rusk.
(d) Bundy.

10. Who does Halberstam say remained loyal to Diem when the coup began?
(a) The people.
(b) The merchants.
(c) The Palace Guard.
(d) The southern part of the country.

11. What problem does Halberstam say McNamara discovered in Vietnam?
(a) The government was unpopular and the U.S. mission was not clear.
(b) The war effort was hampered by corruption and inefficient military support.
(c) That America's allies in the region were opposed to further involvement.
(d) The government wasn't working out and the Vietcong were gaining strength.

12. What movement regarding the war does Halberstam say started at the University of California in Berkeley?
(a) The Free Speech Movement.
(b) The balanced budget movement.
(c) The peace movement.
(d) The Civil Rights movement.

13. What does Halberstam say General Westmoreland was projecting after 1965?
(a) More political pressure and fewer battles.
(b) More casualties, but also more political victories.
(c) More bombings and fewer troops on the ground.
(d) More troops and more years of war.

14. What happened in the Gulf of Tonkin as a part of 34A?
(a) An American ship was torpedoed.
(b) The VIetcong launched missiles at an American plane.
(c) An American plane was shot down by Russian Migs.
(d) An American ship sunk a North Vietnamese PT boat.

15. Why did President Johnson authorize bombing attacks on North Vietnam, in Halberstam's account?
(a) He thought that bombing was a final resort, and after it failed, he could strategically withdraw.
(b) He thought that breaking Vietcong resistance would create trade opportunities for American companies.
(c) He believed that if Vietnam went Communist, the rest of the region would turn Communist as well.
(d) He thought that an overwhelming display of force would convince other nations in the region to accept American influence.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was McNamara beginning to suspect in Vietnam?

2. How does Halberstam say the U.S. spun the Gulf of Tonkin incident?

3. What plan was the U.S. government preparing for by the end of 1964?

4. What does Halberstam say was the outcome of the report on the bombing attacks?

5. What pressure does Halberstam say the events of September and October of 1963 relieved for Kennedy?

(see the answer keys)

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