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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Isaacson claim Joseph Stalin's temperament changed between Harriman's first and second meetings?
(a) In the first meeting Stalin was candid and friendly, but in the second meeting he was confrontational, accusing and paranoid.
(b) In the first meeting Stalin was scheming and evasive, in the second meeting he was congenial and open.
(c) In the first meeting Stalin was aloof and disinterested, in the second meeting he was eager and cooperative.
(d) In the first meeting Stalin was panicked and demanding, but in the second meeting Stalin was calm and reasonable.

2. Which president does Isaacson report Dean Acheson served as Assistant Secretary of State?
(a) Franklin Roosevelt.
(b) John F. Kennedy.
(c) Harry Truman.
(d) Dwight Eisenhower.

3. What approach did Wall Street favor regarding the future of Germany's industrial base during plans for the post-war era, according to Isaacson?
(a) Wall Street favored putting German companies under the control of American Corporations to expand markets around the world.
(b) Wall Street favored reviving Germany because of the business opportunities.
(c) Wall Street favored Soviet usurpation of German manufacturing equipment so American manufacturers would have a market advantage in Europe.
(d) Wall Street favored placing German corporations under the control of the American government to reduce the possibility of competition from vigorous foreign markets.

4. What does Isaacson cite as the difference between Kennan's and Chip Bohlen's approach to preparing for their chosen field?
(a) Bohlen was very social and enjoyed drinking, but Kennan was studied in seclusion and was a tea-totaler.
(b) Kennan was academic, but Bohlen was impulsive.
(c) Kennan had analytic depth, but Bohlen had a more nimble mind.
(d) Kennan approached his preparations with anxiety but Bohlen enjoyed his time studying for the exams.

5. Which of the "Wise Men" does Isaacson report to have negotiated trade deals with leaders of the communist government in Russia in 1922?
(a) Dean Acheson.
(b) Robert Lovett.
(c) Chip Bohlen.
(d) Averell Harriman.

6. Where does Isaacson claim Averell Harriman and Dean Acheson first met?
(a) In Russia during WWII.
(b) In Paris.
(c) In New York City.
(d) At Groton Prep School.

7. How does Isaacson claim Bohlen distinguished himself in the service of his first assignment?
(a) He impressed his superiors with his diligent interest in Russia and its language.
(b) He impressed members of the Roosevelt Administration with his insights into economics and industry.
(c) He impressed the investors of W.A. Harriman with his knack for choosing growing companies in which to invest.
(d) He left a strong impression with his writing ability.

8. What does Isaacson claim to be the reason that Harriman and Dean Acheson supported making post-war loans to the Soviets?
(a) Both considered loans to be a show of good faith that the U.S. was willing to work with the Soviets in spite of ideological differences.
(b) Both saw the loans as a means of gaining bargaining leverage with the Kremlin.
(c) Both considered that the friendship of the Soviets could be bought.
(d) Both realized that the Soviet economy was unproductive and felt that loans could nudge the Soviets to a market economy.

9. Which two of the "Wise Men" does Isaacson claim understood the importance of trade and global involvement from their careers on Wall Street?
(a) George Kennan and Dean Acheson.
(b) Chip Bohlen and Robert Lovett.
(c) John McCloy and Dean Acheson.
(d) Averell Harriman and Robert Lovett.

10. In what town does Isaacson claim that George Kennan was born?
(a) Milwaukee.
(b) London.
(c) Chicago.
(d) New York.

11. What does Isaacson claim the six men profiled in The Wise Men represent?
(a) Moderate Republicans.
(b) New Democrats.
(c) The American Establishment.
(d) Ivy League colleges.

12. What two post-secondary schools does Isaacson report George Kennan attended?
(a) Yale and Oxford.
(b) Princeton and Oxford.
(c) Columbia and Harvard.
(d) St. Johns Military Academy and Princeton.

13. What does Isaacson claim the Secretary of War called Lovett and McCloy?
(a) "Two of a kind."
(b) "The Minnesota Twins."
(c) "The Heavenly Twins."
(d) "The Dynamic Duo."

14. How did John McCloy come into contact with Averell Harriman and Robert Lovett?
(a) As an advisor with the War Department.
(b) Through the law firm where John McCloy was employed.
(c) As a student at Harvard Law School.
(d) While he was directing a law office in Paris.

15. What quality of Truman's does Isaacson claim was welcomed by the liaison between the State Department and the White House ?
(a) Truman's willingness to accept counsel.
(b) Truman's predictability.
(c) Truman's forthrightness.
(d) Truman's common perspective.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Isaacson report to be the differences between the negotiating styles of Roosevelt and Truman?

2. Under which president did Dean Acheson serve in the Attorney General's office?

3. How does Isaacson claim Chip Bohlen became an important American diplomat in Russia?

4. Who does Isaacson report chose Kennan and Bohlen for service in the American Embassy in Moscow?

5. What does Isaacson claim to be the goal of the "Wise Men"?

(see the answer keys)

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