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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. When the U.S. and South Korean Army pushes the North Korean/Chinese back to the 38th parallel, what decision is made about the next step?
(a) To proceed into North Korea.
(b) To evacuate all troops from Korea
(c) To proceed into China
(d) To hold the line there

2. What is one Presidential first that is mentioned in this chapter?
(a) First Jewish president
(b) First president to ride in an automobile
(c) First presidential address to be printed in the newspaper
(d) First presidential address to be broadcast on TV

3. Where was the American's atom bomb tested?
(a) Washington DC
(b) New Mexico
(c) Bikini Atoll
(d) California

4. In what country was Potsdam located?
(a) Germany
(b) Poland
(c) Norway
(d) England

5. What new civilian agency is set up under Truman's presidency?
(a) Air Force
(b) Federal Bureau of Investigation
(c) Central Intelligence Agency
(d) Committee to Re-Elect the President

Short Answer Questions

1. How did Truman's personal staff feel about him?

2. What is Adlai Stevenson's position when he runs for President?

3. What was a Dixiecrat?

4. How did the three world leaders enter the conference room in Potsdam?

5. What was the origination of the term "pinko?"

Short Essay Questions

1. The title of this chapter is "The Buck Stops Here." Where does this expression come from and how does it apply to Harry Truman?

2. Why did Truman choose Stevenson as his successor?

3. Truman's own party did not actively support him in his bid for the election, even through fundraising. Why?

4. When Truman is on a state trip to Mexico, he visits the grave of the child heroes. Why did this act mean so much to the Mexican people?

5. Describe General MacArthur, covering the following points: 1) appearance, 2) method of speaking, 3) personality as described in the book.

6. When Robert Oppenheimer, the director of the Manhattan Project, comes to see Truman, the President is made uncomfortable about the visit. Why?

7. Stalin is described as a personable, likable man; yet he ordered the murder of millions of people in his own country. Was there any indication in the activities of the Potsdam Conference that reveal this side of his character? Give examples.

8. Why was it so important for MacArthur and Truman to be in agreement on the military policy towards Korea and China?

9. When the Trumans take an automobile trip across the nation, they are shocked at how many people recognize them and want to see them. Why?

10. Choose one of the following issues confronting Truman in this chapter: 1) Soviet acquisition of the atom bomb, 2) North Korea invading South Korea, 3) the Berlin Airlift, or 4) rise of Senator McCarthy. In your essay, outline how Truman and his administration handled the press regarding this issue. In your opinion, was the situation presented to the public in a good way?

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