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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. Which situation had the biggest effect on the Kennedy administration in 1961?
(a) The Bay of Pigs.
(b) China policy.
(c) The financial crisis.
(d) The Gulf of Tonkin incident.

2. What did Robert Lovett represent for Kennedy?
(a) A brilliant theoretical thinker.
(b) A connection with the opposition.
(c) A link to previous administrations.
(d) A bright new talent.

3. On which issue does Halberstam say Kennedy compromised with the military?
(a) Free fire zones.
(b) Bombing in the north.
(c) The use of jets.
(d) The use of napalm.

4. What does Halberstam say Kennedy had done in response to the meeting with Russians in Vienna?
(a) He reduced America's nuclear arsenal.
(b) He removed troops from Poland.
(c) He increased troop strength in Berlin.
(d) He sent an advisory committee to Vietnam.

5. Whom did Kennedy ask to be Secretary of State instead of Adlai Stevenson?
(a) Dean Rusk.
(b) Robert McNamara.
(c) McGeorge Bundy.
(d) Chester Bowles.

Short Answer Questions

1. What had McNamara done by the time he took over as Secretary of Defense?

2. What family was McGeorge Bundy descended from?

3. What was the recommendation that came out of the fact-finding mission of 1961?

4. What was Kennedy in the process of doing at the beginning of the book?

5. Whom had Eleanor Roosevelt wanted Kennedy to appoint as Secretary of State?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What crises confronted the Kennedy administration in 1961?

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

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

5. Why did Diem and the U.S. end up working together?

6. What three plans does Halberstam say the U.S. was considering in Vietnam in 1961?

7. What did Lovett and Kennedy discuss during their meeting?

8. Who was McGeorge Bundy, and what was his role in the Kennedy administration?

9. Who was Frederick Nolting, and what was his role in Vietnam?

10. What was the Kennedy administration's stance with regard to Russia?

(see the answer keys)

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