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!

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 preserve the doctrine of containment.

To save the Western Alliance in Europe.

To preserve strategic positions in the Far East.

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

In spite of being a "dove," what did Isaacson suggest that Bohlen believed regarding the use of the American military? (from Chapter 24)

Bohlen believed that American interventionism had made America too reliant on military spending for its security.

Bohlen believed that America's willingness to fight wars was the only hope for world peace.

Bohlen believed that the U.S. had a moral obligation to oppose aggression.

Bohlen believed that peace could only be achieved if free people were willing to sacrifice in wars.

How does Isaacson report that Clark Clifford understood the rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union had to be framed to make the general public support confronting the Communists? (from Chapters 13-14)

Clifford understood the rivalry had, "...to be framed as a potential threat to the freedom and security of every individual in the country."

Clifford understood the rivalry had, "...to be framed as a personal cause of free American talent overcoming international slavery."

Clifford understood the rivalry had, "...to be framed as fearfully as possible to cajole the general public to put unquestioning support for the wisdom of its government."

Clifford understood the rivalry had, "...to be framed as a contest between the forces of darkness and light."

Who coined the term "Iron Curtain" in a cable to President Truman? (from Chapters 9-10)

Henry Stimson.

Winston Churchill.

George Kennan.

John McCloy.

What does Isaacson report Vice President Harry Truman was doing when news of President Roosevelt's death was first leaked? (from Chapters 9-10)

Truman was in the Vice President's office adjacent to the Senate floor preparing to go home for the evening.

Truman was in a foreign policy briefing with the Council of Foreign Relations.

Truman was having dinner with his family as was his custom at that time of the day.

Truman was in Sam Rayburn's hideaway in the Capitol Building playing cards.