The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made: Acheson, Bohlen,... Quiz

Take our free The Wise Men quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

Who were two of the "Six Wise Men" that Isaacson reported had withdrawn their support for the war in Vietnam by the summer of 1967? (from Chapter 22-23)

John McCloy and Robert Lovett.

Robert Lovett and Averell Harriman.

John McCloy and Dean Acheson.

George Kennan and Charles Bohlen.

What does Isaacson report eventually came of the idea of a "Western Union" military alliance? (from Chapter 15)

It became the United Nations (UN).

It became the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

It became the European Union (EU).

It became the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

What does Isaacson suggest was a practical challenge that Truman faced when he began his presidency? (from Chapters 9-10)

Some people were not aware that he was the Vice President.

Truman, as vice president, had not been part of any post-war planning meetings nor had he been given any military secrets, such as the existence of the atomic bomb.

He was not well versed in foreign policy.

Truman was replacing Roosevelt who had become identifiable with the presidency.

Why was General MacArthur fired according to Isaacson? (from Chapters 18-19)

Because MacArthur's belligerence had become a threat to world peace.

Because MacArthur's popularity within the U.S. was a threat to the Administration's efforts to control the direction of the war in Korea.

Because MacArthur was seen as unable to lead with the changes in technology and the enemy at hand.

MacArthur made statements criticizing China's strength and suggesting Chiang Kai-shek could open a second front against China with an invasion on the mainland.

How does Isaacson claim Joseph Stalin's temperament changed between Harriman's first and second meetings? (from Chapter 8)

In the first meeting Stalin was panicked and demanding, but in the second meeting Stalin was calm and reasonable.

In the first meeting Stalin was scheming and evasive, in the second meeting he was congenial and open.

In the first meeting Stalin was candid and friendly, but in the second meeting he was confrontational, accusing and paranoid.

In the first meeting Stalin was aloof and disinterested, in the second meeting he was eager and cooperative.