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!

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

It became the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

It became the United Nations (UN).

It became the European Union (EU).

It became the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

According to Isaacson, why did did George Kennan oppose the development of more powerful nuclear weapons? (from Chapter 16-17)

Kennan believed the confrontation with communism was a social battle, not military.

Kennan believed that confronting the Soviets with conventional forces would avoid nuclear annihilation.

Kennan felt that communism was unsustainable especially when its systems were attempting to build empires.

Because Kennan felt the Soviets were paranoid and a bigger bomb would make them more dangerous.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Why did Dean Acheson believe the U.S. should get involved in the war between North and South Korea, according to Isaacson? (from Chapter 16-17)

To prove to Stalin and Mao that all of their imperialistic actions would be confronted.

To save the Western Alliance in Europe.

To preserve the doctrine of containment.

To preserve strategic positions in the Far East.

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

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

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