Chapter 38: The Eisenhower Era

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  • 1/31 Questions

    McCarthy lost his power when he attacked alleged communist influence in the U.S. Army

    • True
    • False
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American History Quizzes & Trivia
About This Quiz

Explore the Eisenhower Era through this focused quiz. Assess your understanding of key events and figures like Nixon's vice-presidential nomination, Eisenhower's leadership style, and the impact of television on political campaigns. Enhance your knowledge of this pivotal period in American history.

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  • 2. 

    The Soviet Sputnik satellite raised American fears that the Soviet Union had forged ahead of the United States in rocketry, science, and education.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The explanation for the correct answer "True" is that the Soviet Sputnik satellite caused concerns among Americans because it indicated that the Soviet Union was ahead of the United States in terms of rocketry, science, and education. This event marked the beginning of the Space Race between the two superpowers and led to increased investment in science and technology education in the United States.

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  • 3. 

    The primary force shaping the new consumerism and popular culture of the 1950s was

    • The computer

    • Magazines like Playboy

    • Television

    • Evangelical Protestantism

    Correct Answer
    A. Television
    Explanation
    Television was the primary force shaping the new consumerism and popular culture of the 1950s. This is because television became increasingly popular during this time and had a significant impact on society. It provided a platform for advertising and consumerism, as well as shaping popular culture through the introduction of new shows, music, and trends. Television also played a role in promoting consumerism by showcasing new products and lifestyles, influencing people's desires and purchasing behaviors. Overall, television played a crucial role in shaping the consumerism and popular culture of the 1950s.

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  • 4. 

    The Suez Crisis was caused by Egyptian President Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The Suez Crisis refers to the conflict that occurred in 1956 when Egyptian President Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal. This action angered Britain, France, and Israel, as they had previously controlled the canal. In response, these countries launched a military intervention in an attempt to regain control of the canal. The crisis ultimately led to a diplomatic and political standoff, with the United States and the Soviet Union becoming involved in the negotiations. Therefore, the statement that the Suez Crisis was caused by Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal is true.

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  • 5. 

    Martin Luther King, Jr.'s civil rights organization, the SCLC, rested on the institutional foundation of

    • Black business

    • The black churches

    • Black colleges

    • Northern philanthropic foundations

    Correct Answer
    A. The black churches
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the black churches. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s civil rights organization, the SCLC, relied heavily on the support and involvement of black churches. The black churches played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, providing a platform for organizing and mobilizing the African American community. They served as a gathering place for meetings, rallies, and protests, and their leaders played significant roles in advocating for equality and justice. The black churches also provided financial and moral support to the SCLC and other civil rights organizations, making them a vital institutional foundation for the movement.

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  • 6. 

    In the 1952 campaign, the Eisenhower-Nixon ticket made the first really effective use of:

    • The cold war as a campaign issue

    • Television

    • Political advertising

    • Political appeals targeted at special interest groups

    Correct Answer
    A. Television
    Explanation
    In the 1952 campaign, the Eisenhower-Nixon ticket made the first really effective use of television. This means that they were able to utilize television as a powerful tool in their campaign strategy. Television allowed them to reach a wider audience and convey their message more effectively. This was a significant development in political campaigns as it revolutionized the way candidates could connect with voters and influence public opinion.

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  • 7. 

    Eisenhower initially hesitated to oppose Senator Joseph McCarthy because of McCarthy's political popularity and power.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Eisenhower initially hesitated to oppose Senator Joseph McCarthy because McCarthy was a popular and powerful figure in politics. This suggests that Eisenhower may have been concerned about the potential backlash or negative consequences that could arise from openly opposing McCarthy. It is likely that Eisenhower weighed the potential risks and benefits before deciding to take a stance against McCarthy's controversial tactics.

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  • 8. 

    In the Hungarian crisis, the United States retreated from Secretary of State Dulles's talk of "rolling back" communism and liberating the "captive people" of Eastern Europe.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    During the Hungarian crisis, the United States did indeed retreat from Secretary of State Dulles's talk of "rolling back" communism and liberating the "captive people" of Eastern Europe. This retreat was a result of the Soviet Union's brutal suppression of the Hungarian uprising in 1956, which made it clear that military intervention was not a viable option. The United States shifted its focus towards containment and peaceful coexistence with the Soviet Union, abandoning the idea of actively trying to overthrow communist regimes in Eastern Europe. Therefore, the statement "True" accurately reflects the historical context of the Hungarian crisis.

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  • 9. 

    In the 1950s, Latin America sometimes demonstrated hostility toward the United States for supporting anticommunist dictators and ignoring Latin American interstes.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    During the 1950s, Latin America did indeed exhibit hostility towards the United States. This was primarily due to the United States' support for anticommunist dictators in the region, which went against the interests of Latin American countries. The United States' actions were seen as disregarding the needs and desires of Latin America, leading to resentment and hostility.

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  • 10. 

    Social critics like David Riesman and Daniel Bell attacked the conformity and consumerism that they believed was undermining the older American character and work ethic.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    David Riesman and Daniel Bell were social critics who criticized the conformity and consumerism in American society. They believed that these factors were negatively impacting the traditional American character and work ethic. Therefore, the statement is true as it accurately reflects the views of these social critics.

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  • 11. 

    Senator Kennedy was able to successfully neutralize the issue of his Roman Catholicism during the 1960s campaign

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    During the 1960s campaign, Senator Kennedy was able to successfully neutralize the issue of his Roman Catholicism. This suggests that he effectively addressed any concerns or criticisms related to his religious affiliation, possibly by emphasizing his commitment to the separation of church and state and reassuring voters that his personal beliefs would not interfere with his ability to govern. As a result, the statement "True" indicates that Senator Kennedy managed to overcome any potential backlash and navigate the issue of his Catholicism successfully.

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  • 12. 

    The Korean War ended with

    • An agreement to unify and neutralize Korea

    • A peace treaty that provided for withdrawal of American and Chinese forces from Korea

    • An American and South Korean military victory

    • A stalemated armistice and continued division of North and South Korea

    Correct Answer
    A. A stalemated armistice and continued division of North and South Korea
    Explanation
    The Korean War ended with a stalemated armistice and continued division of North and South Korea. This means that there was no clear winner in the war and no agreement was reached to unify and neutralize Korea. Instead, an armistice was signed to cease hostilities, but the division between North and South Korea remained in place.

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  • 13. 

    The Supreme Court ruled in Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education that blacks should be provided additional educational benefits in order to equalize public education.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The given statement is false. In the case of Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education, the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, stating that separate educational facilities were inherently unequal. The ruling did not specifically mention providing additional educational benefits to blacks, but rather focused on ending segregation and promoting equal education for all races.

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  • 14. 

    Eisenhower tried but failed to repeal most of the New Deal economic and social legislation.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Eisenhower did not try to repeal most of the New Deal economic and social legislation. While he did have some reservations about certain aspects of the New Deal, he did not make any significant efforts to repeal it. Instead, he sought to maintain and improve upon the existing programs, and even expanded some of them, such as Social Security. Therefore, the statement that Eisenhower tried but failed to repeal most of the New Deal legislation is false.

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  • 15. 

    The precipitating event that made Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr the most prominent civil rights leader was

    • The lynching of Emmett Till

    • The Little Rock school crisis

    • The Montgomery bus boycott

    • The passage of the 1957 Civil Rights Act

    Correct Answer
    A. The Montgomery bus boycott
    Explanation
    The Montgomery bus boycott was the precipitating event that made Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr the most prominent civil rights leader. This event began in 1955 when Rosa Parks, an African American woman, refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger. This act of defiance sparked a year-long boycott of the Montgomery bus system by African Americans, led by Dr. King. The boycott brought national attention to the issue of racial segregation and discrimination, and Dr. King's leadership during this time catapulted him to the forefront of the civil rights movement.

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  • 16. 

    Senator McCarthy's anticommunist crusade finally collapse when:

    • The Cold War wound down

    • Eisenhower publicly attacked him as a threat to the Republican party

    • McCarthy failed to force the alleged communists out of the federal government

    • McCarthy attacked the U.S. Army for alleged communist influence

    Correct Answer
    A. McCarthy attacked the U.S. Army for alleged communist influence
    Explanation
    Senator McCarthy's anticommunist crusade finally collapsed when he attacked the U.S. Army for alleged communist influence. This move was widely criticized and led to a loss of support for McCarthy. It also exposed his tactics as reckless and unfounded, causing many to question the validity of his claims and ultimately leading to his downfall.

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  • 17. 

    A key economic transformation of the 1950s was

    • The displacements of large corporations by smaller entrepreneurial businesses

    • The growth of "white collar" jobs into a majority that increasingly replaced "blue collar" factory labor

    • The turn from World War II military and defense industries to civilian production

    • The replacement of "mass consumer production" by "target marketing" aimed at particular segments of the population

    Correct Answer
    A. The growth of "white collar" jobs into a majority that increasingly replaced "blue collar" factory labor
    Explanation
    In the 1950s, there was a significant economic transformation where "white collar" jobs, which refer to professional or managerial positions, grew in number and started to replace "blue collar" factory labor. This shift can be attributed to various factors such as advancements in technology, automation, and the expansion of service-based industries. As a result, there was a decline in the dominance of traditional manufacturing jobs and an increase in the importance of knowledge-based and service-oriented occupations. This transformation had a profound impact on the structure of the labor market and the overall economy during that period.

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  • 18. 

    Dispite his fiscal conservatism, Eisenhower actually outdid the New Deal with his massive federal spending on

    • A continental interstate highway

    • A system of medical care for the elderly

    • Intercontinental military bombers and civilian aircraft

    • Agricultural subsidies for American farmers

    Correct Answer
    A. A continental interstate highway
    Explanation
    During his presidency, Eisenhower implemented the construction of a massive federal project known as the continental interstate highway system. This project aimed to improve transportation and connectivity across the United States. Despite his fiscal conservatism, Eisenhower recognized the importance of investing in infrastructure for economic growth and national security. The interstate highway system not only facilitated the movement of goods and people but also played a crucial role in the defense and emergency response capabilities of the country.

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  • 19. 

    The primary impetus for civil rights within the federal government came from

    • The Supreme Court

    • Congress

    • President Eisenhower

    • The armed forces

    Correct Answer
    A. The Supreme Court
    Explanation
    The Supreme Court is the correct answer because it has played a crucial role in shaping civil rights in the United States. Through landmark decisions such as Brown v. Board of Education and Miranda v. Arizona, the Supreme Court has interpreted the Constitution to protect individual rights and promote equality. These rulings have set important precedents and have often prompted Congress and the President to take action to enforce and uphold civil rights. The Supreme Court's role as the highest judicial authority in the country gives it significant influence in advancing civil rights within the federal government.

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  • 20. 

    Eisenhower used his influence as president to support blacks' push for civil rights in the schools and elsewhere

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Eisenhower did not actively use his influence as president to support blacks' push for civil rights in the schools and elsewhere. While he did take some actions, such as sending federal troops to enforce desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas, his overall approach to civil rights was seen as cautious and limited. He was more focused on maintaining law and order and promoting gradual change rather than actively supporting the push for civil rights. Therefore, the statement that Eisenhower used his influence to support blacks' push for civil rights is false.

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  • 21. 

    When the 1950s began, a majority of women were

    • Working in blue-collar factory and service jobs

    • Raising children and not employed outside of the home

    • Pursuing training and education to prepare them for the new positions in service and high technology

    • Agitating for federal child care and other assistance to enable them to assume a larger place in the work force

    Correct Answer
    A. Raising children and not employed outside of the home
    Explanation
    In the 1950s, the majority of women were primarily focused on raising children and did not work outside of the home. This was a common societal expectation and women were often encouraged to prioritize their roles as mothers and homemakers. The idea of women pursuing careers or working outside of the home was not as prevalent during this time period.

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  • 22. 

    Eisenhower sent the first contingent of American troops to Vietnam in 1954 in order to prevent the communist Vietnamese from defeating the French.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because Eisenhower did not send the first contingent of American troops to Vietnam in 1954. The first American military advisors were sent to Vietnam in the late 1950s, and it was not until the 1960s that the United States significantly increased its military presence in Vietnam. The initial reason for American involvement in Vietnam was to support the French in their fight against the communist Vietnamese, but it was not until later that the goal shifted to preventing the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

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  • 23. 

    As president, Eisenhower enjoyed great popularity by presenting a leadership style of

    • Reassurance, sincerity, and optimism

    • Aggressiveness, boldness, and energy

    • Political shrewdness, economic knowledge, and hands-on management

    • Vision, imagination, and moral leadership

    Correct Answer
    A. Reassurance, sincerity, and optimism
    Explanation
    During his presidency, Eisenhower was known for his ability to reassure the American people, demonstrate sincerity in his actions and words, and maintain an optimistic outlook. He instilled confidence in the nation by addressing their concerns and fears, and by emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation. Eisenhower's leadership style was characterized by his calm and composed demeanor, which helped to alleviate anxieties and foster a sense of trust among the public. His sincerity and optimism helped to create a positive and hopeful atmosphere during his time in office.

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  • 24. 

    Feminist Betty Friedan's manifesto The Feminine Mystique was aimed primarily at reviving labor militancy among working class women in factories and shops.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The explanation for the given correct answer (False) is that Betty Friedan's manifesto, The Feminine Mystique, was not aimed primarily at reviving labor militancy among working class women in factories and shops. Instead, it focused on challenging the traditional gender roles and expectations placed on women in society, particularly in the suburban middle-class. Friedan's book played a significant role in sparking the second wave of feminism and advocating for women's rights and equality.

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  • 25. 

    Eisenhower's basic approach to domestic economic policy was

    • To seek to overturn the Democratic New Deal

    • To propose major new federal social programs

    • To turn most New Deal programs over to the states

    • To trim back some New Deal programs but keep most in place

    Correct Answer
    A. To trim back some New Deal programs but keep most in place
    Explanation
    Eisenhower's basic approach to domestic economic policy was to trim back some New Deal programs but keep most in place. This means that he aimed to reduce the scope and size of certain New Deal programs, while still maintaining the majority of them. This approach suggests that Eisenhower recognized the importance of the New Deal programs but also believed in the need for some adjustments and limitations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

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  • 26. 

    Eisenhower presented himself to the country as a strongly partisan Republican President.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Eisenhower did not present himself as a strongly partisan Republican President. In fact, he often tried to distance himself from party politics and emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation. He believed in the importance of working across party lines to achieve common goals and frequently reached out to Democrats for advice and support. His approach to governance was more focused on finding practical solutions rather than pushing a specific party agenda. Therefore, the statement that Eisenhower presented himself as a strongly partisan Republican President is false.

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  • 27. 

    Richard Nixon was chosen as the Vice President nominee:

    • To be a swing vote in the democratic party

    • To fuel the Cold War cries for an end to the soviet union conflict

    • Because of his extensive experience in new technologies

    • To satisfy the anticommunist wing of the Republican Party.

    • For his military background and effusive charm

    Correct Answer
    A. To satisfy the anticommunist wing of the Republican Party.
    Explanation
    Richard Nixon was chosen as the Vice President nominee to satisfy the anticommunist wing of the Republican Party. This suggests that the Republican Party wanted to appeal to individuals who strongly opposed communism, and Nixon was seen as someone who would support policies aligned with their beliefs. His selection would help garner support from this particular faction within the party and potentially attract voters who shared similar anti-communist sentiments.

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  • 28. 

    The United States first became involved in Vietnam by

    • Providing economic aid to the democratic Vietnamese government of Ngo Dinh Diem

    • Providing economic aid to the French colonists fighting Ho Chi Minh

    • Providing aid to Ho Ch Minh in his fight against the French colonists

    • Sending American bombers to defend the French at Dien Bien Phu

    Correct Answer
    A. Providing economic aid to the French colonists fighting Ho Chi Minh
    Explanation
    During the early stages of the Vietnam War, the United States provided economic aid to the French colonists who were fighting against Ho Chi Minh and his communist forces. This support was part of the US policy of containment, which aimed to prevent the spread of communism. By assisting the French in their fight against Ho Chi Minh, the US hoped to maintain French control over Vietnam and prevent it from falling into communist hands. However, this strategy ultimately failed, as the communist forces led by Ho Chi Minh eventually emerged victorious and the US became directly involved in the conflict.

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  • 29. 

    Senator John F. Kennedy's main issue in the campaing of 1960 was that

    • As a Catholic he would be better able to deal with the Catholic Latin America

    • The United States should seek nuclear disarmament agreement with the Soviets

    • The United States had fallen behind the Soviet Union in prestige and power

    • The Eisenhower administration had failed to work hard enough for desegregation

    Correct Answer
    A. The United States had fallen behind the Soviet Union in prestige and power
    Explanation
    In the campaign of 1960, Senator John F. Kennedy's main issue was that the United States had fallen behind the Soviet Union in prestige and power. This suggests that Kennedy believed that the United States needed to regain its position as a global leader and restore its reputation in the face of the growing influence of the Soviet Union. Kennedy likely argued that he had the necessary vision and leadership skills to address this issue and ensure that the United States remained a dominant force in the world.

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  • 30. 

    Eisenhower endorsed a major growth of military spending on conventional and nuclear forces to counteract the Societ Union in the Cold War.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because Eisenhower actually advocated for a reduction in military spending during his presidency. He believed in a policy of "peaceful coexistence" with the Soviet Union and sought to prioritize diplomacy and negotiation over military confrontation. While he did support a strong defense posture, he also emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and avoiding excessive military expenditures.

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  • 31. 

    One major breakthrough in American literature in the early post World-War II years was

    • The realistic depiction of war and industrial poverty

    • Angry social criticism of the "American Dream"

    • Satirical and comic novels by Jewish writers

    • An optimistic vision of nature and love in the work of American poets and playwrights

    Correct Answer
    A. Satirical and comic novels by Jewish writers
    Explanation
    In the early post World-War II years, there was a major breakthrough in American literature with the emergence of satirical and comic novels by Jewish writers. These writers used humor and irony to critique and satirize various aspects of American society, including social norms, cultural values, and political systems. Through their works, they provided a fresh and unique perspective on the American experience, challenging traditional narratives and offering a different lens through which to view the world. This marked a significant shift in American literature and contributed to the diversification of voices and perspectives in the literary landscape.

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  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Mar 31, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Tjerry

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