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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Halberstam say was the result of the Chinese Revolution and the McCarthy period?
(a) The U.S. took an aggressive stance toward Communism.
(b) The U.S. strengthened trade ties in Europe.
(c) The U.S. sought out diplomatic solutions.
(d) The U.S. took pre-emptive action against Communism.

2. Why did the Americans back down on demands for reform in Vietnam in 1962, in Halberstam's account?
(a) Diem had begun to renege on his promises.
(b) Reforms had already been accomplished.
(c) They lost confidence that reforms could be implemented.
(d) Diem could not afford reforms.

3. What does Halberstam say was the state of tensions within the White House as involvement in Vietnam escalated?
(a) Anyone who disagreed with Kennedy was removed.
(b) Aides gathered around Kennedy's will.
(c) There were many disagreements.
(d) Long and open debates brought new ideas to the policies.

4. When did Kennedy become well known in Washington?
(a) In his race for Senate.
(b) In the 1960 campaign.
(c) During the Cuban Missile Crisis.
(d) When he first entered politics.

5. What kind of reports does Halberstam say would come from the head of the U.S. command after his 1962 appointment?
(a) Unrealistic reports.
(b) Reports that were imperial propaganda.
(c) Pragmatic and diplomatic reports.
(d) Highly detailed reports.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Kennedy did not authorize more troops, what does Halberstam say he told the Pentagon?

2. Which cabinet member was opposed to the Bay of Pigs invasion?

3. How long had Ho Chi Minh's communism associations been known to the U.S., in Halberstam's account?

4. What does Halberstam say Kennedy had done in response to the meeting with Russians in Vienna?

5. What was Kennedy's relationship with the press during his presidential campaign?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did the White House eventually try to limit the military?

2. Describe the atmosphere in America when Kennedy took office.

3. Who was Robert McNamara and what was his role in the formation of Vietnam policy?

4. What was McNamara's stance with regard to nuclear weapons?

5. Who was Robert A. Lovett, and what does Halberstam say he signified for Kennedy?

6. What kind of reports does Halberstam say the U.S. got from Vietnam?

7. What was the Kennedy administration's image with the American people?

8. How did the meeting between Lovett and Kennedy play in the press?

9. What does Halberstam say was Robert McNamara's background before becoming Secretary of Defense?

10. How did the fall of China and the Cold War affect the Kennedy administration?

(see the answer keys)

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