The Cold War/1950's Test

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    This term refers to the indirect but hostile conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union that began at the end of World War II.

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About This Quiz

This is the test that covers material related to the Cold War and the 1950's.   Please be sure to read each question and answer choice thoroughly before making an answer selection.  
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The Cold War/1950s Test - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    This defensive military alliance was the first military alliance that the United States ever entered during peacetime.

    Explanation
    North Atlantic Treaty Organization

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  • 3. 

    The United States’ policy of ___ was designed to stop the spread of communism.

    Explanation
    The United States' policy of containment was designed to stop the spread of communism. This policy involved preventing the expansion of Soviet influence and communism by using various strategies such as military intervention, economic aid, and political alliances. The goal was to contain communism within its existing borders and prevent it from spreading to other countries. This policy was a response to the perceived threat posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War and was a central aspect of US foreign policy during that time.

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  • 4. 

    This aid program provided 16 countries with $13 billion in aid.

    Explanation
    The correct answer is the Marshall Plan. The Marshall Plan was a program initiated by the United States after World War II to provide economic aid to European countries in order to help them recover from the devastation of the war. It provided financial assistance and resources to 16 countries, totaling $13 billion. The goal of the plan was to promote economic stability, rebuild infrastructure, and encourage trade among the participating nations. The Marshall Plan played a significant role in the post-war reconstruction and recovery of Europe.

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  • 5. 

    This action, conducted by the British and Americans, provided vital supplies to a region blockaded by the Soviet Union.

    Explanation
    The British and Americans conducted the Berlin Airlift to provide vital supplies to a region that was blockaded by the Soviet Union. This action was necessary to support the people of Berlin who were cut off from essential resources due to the Soviet blockade. The Berlin Airlift involved flying in food, fuel, and other supplies to sustain the population and ensure their survival. It was a significant humanitarian effort that showcased the determination and resilience of the Western Allies in the face of Soviet aggression.

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  • 6. 

    Both the United States and the Soviet Union joined this peacekeeping organization after World War II.

    Explanation
    After World War II, both the United States and the Soviet Union joined the United Nations. The United Nations was established in 1945 as an international organization aimed at promoting peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It serves as a platform for member countries to discuss and address global issues, resolve conflicts, and provide humanitarian assistance. Given the context of the question mentioning the post-WWII period and the need for peacekeeping, it is logical to conclude that the correct answer is the United Nations.

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  • 7. 

    When an armistice was signed ending the Korean War,

    • North and South Korea were still divided along the 38th parallel.

    • A communist government was established in South Korea.

    • Communist fears in the United States were lifted.

    • China gained control of the entire peninsula.

    Correct Answer
    A. North and South Korea were still divided along the 38th parallel.
    Explanation
    After the armistice was signed ending the Korean War, North and South Korea remained divided along the 38th parallel. This means that the war did not result in a reunification of the two countries, and they continued to exist as separate entities. The armistice agreement essentially established a ceasefire, but did not resolve the underlying issues that led to the war. The division along the 38th parallel remained a significant geopolitical and ideological divide between the two Koreas.

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  • 8. 

    Winston Churchill referred to the spread of communism as this.

    • An iron curtain

    • Berlin Wall

    • Berlin blockade

    • German Democratic Republic

    Correct Answer
    A. An iron curtain
    Explanation
    Winston Churchill used the term "iron curtain" to describe the spread of communism. This metaphorical phrase referred to the division between the communist countries of Eastern Europe and the non-communist countries of Western Europe. It symbolized the ideological and physical separation that existed during the Cold War, with the Soviet Union and its allies on one side and the Western democracies on the other. The iron curtain represented the restrictions, censorship, and lack of freedom experienced by those living under communist rule.

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  • 9. 

    General Douglas MacArthur commanded U.S. forces in ________.

    • Guatemala

    • Hungary

    • The Middle East

    • Korea

    Correct Answer
    A. Korea
    Explanation
    General Douglas MacArthur commanded U.S. forces in Korea. He was appointed as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers during the Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953. MacArthur played a crucial role in the conflict, leading the United Nations forces and implementing successful strategies such as the Inchon landing. His command in Korea ended when he was relieved of his duties by President Harry S. Truman due to disagreements over military strategy and policy. MacArthur's leadership in Korea remains a significant part of his military legacy.

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  • 10. 

    What is significant about the Baby Boom?        

    • It created the largest generation in American History

    • The suburbs had to build more hospitals

    • Most women did not want to be mothers although popular culture glorified motherhood

    • It widened the gap between the middle class and the poor.

    Correct Answer
    A. It created the largest generation in American History
    Explanation
    The Baby Boom is significant because it created the largest generation in American history. This refers to the period of increased birth rates in the United States between 1946 and 1964, following the end of World War II. The Baby Boom generation had a profound impact on American society, culture, and the economy, as their large numbers shaped demographic trends, influenced consumer markets, and played a role in political and social movements. This generation also had a significant influence on the labor force and retirement patterns as they aged.

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  • 11. 

    ____________ was the leader of the Communists in China.

    • Chiang Kai-shek

    • Mao Zedong

    • Syngman Rhee

    • Kim il Sung

    Correct Answer
    A. Mao Zedong
    Explanation
    Mao Zedong was the leader of the Communists in China. He played a crucial role in the Chinese Communist Party and led the Red Army during the Chinese Civil War. Mao's leadership and ideology shaped the policies and direction of the Communist Party, ultimately leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. He remained the Chairman of the Communist Party of China until his death in 1976, leaving a lasting impact on Chinese politics, society, and culture.

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  • 12. 

    Which scenario describes the controversy over leadership in the Korean War?

    • The Chinese communists criticized Truman and MacArthur was upset

    • Truman and MacArthur disagreed over war with China and MacArthur was fired

    • Truman believed we should continue the war into China

    • MacArthur was hated by his troops and the American people

    Correct Answer
    A. Truman and MacArthur disagreed over war with China and MacArthur was fired
    Explanation
    Truman and MacArthur disagreed over war with China and MacArthur was fired. This scenario accurately describes the controversy over leadership in the Korean War. Truman, the President of the United States, and MacArthur, the military commander, had differing opinions on expanding the war into China. Truman believed in limiting the conflict to Korea, while MacArthur advocated for attacking China. This disagreement led to Truman's decision to relieve MacArthur of his command, resulting in his firing.

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  • 13. 

    Accusations that communism was widely present in the U.S. government and military were made by ____________.

    • Douglas MacArthur

    • Joseph McCarthy

    • John Foster Dulles

    • Alger Hiss

    Correct Answer
    A. Joseph McCarthy
    Explanation
    Joseph McCarthy made accusations that communism was widely present in the U.S. government and military. McCarthy was a U.S. Senator who became notorious for his aggressive pursuit of alleged communists during the Cold War era. He claimed that there were communist spies and sympathizers within various government agencies and institutions, leading to widespread investigations and hearings. McCarthy's actions and accusations, known as McCarthyism, had a significant impact on American society and politics during that time.

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  • 14. 

    The launch of Sputnik demonstrated

    • The world’s first moon vehicle

    • The US’ triumph of technology

    • The excitement of working towards a worldwide technological goal

    • The competition of the Cold War and the devastation that the US was not first

    Correct Answer
    A. The competition of the Cold War and the devastation that the US was not first
    Explanation
    The launch of Sputnik demonstrated the competition of the Cold War and the devastation that the US was not first. This is because Sputnik was the world's first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union, marking a significant achievement in space exploration. The US, being in direct competition with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, was devastated by the fact that they were not the first to achieve this milestone. This event intensified the space race between the two superpowers and highlighted the technological competition and rivalry that characterized the Cold War era.

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  • 15. 

    In the 1950s, both the beat movement and rock 'n' roll were viewed as forms of        

    • Harmless entertainment

    • Rebellion against mainstream values

    • African-American culture

    • Mainstream American values

    Correct Answer
    A. Rebellion against mainstream values
    Explanation
    During the 1950s, both the beat movement and rock 'n' roll were seen as forms of rebellion against mainstream values. The beat movement, led by writers and artists, rejected the conformist and materialistic ideals of the time, advocating for individualism and non-conformity. Rock 'n' roll, with its energetic and rebellious music, lyrics, and dance moves, challenged societal norms and conservative values. Both movements were seen as threats to the established order and were viewed as rebellious expressions of counterculture.

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  • 16. 

    Criticism of television in the 1950s was based on       

    • Its protrayal of an idealized white society

    • An abundance of TV violence

    • The size of the screen

    • Its black-and-white images

    Correct Answer
    A. Its protrayal of an idealized white society
    Explanation
    The criticism of television in the 1950s was based on its portrayal of an idealized white society. This means that the television shows during that time predominantly depicted a perfect and unrealistic representation of white society, ignoring the diversity and complexities of the real world. This criticism highlights the lack of representation and the perpetuation of racial stereotypes in television programming during that era.

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  • 17. 

    The strength of the 1950s economy was due to

    • The growth of business and economic opportunities

    • The rapid growth of women in the work force

    • The increase of blue-collar jobs

    • The individuality of American workers and the dedication to their jobs

    Correct Answer
    A. The growth of business and economic opportunities
    Explanation
    The strength of the 1950s economy can be attributed to the growth of business and economic opportunities. During this time, the United States experienced a period of economic expansion and prosperity, known as the post-war boom. This was fueled by factors such as increased consumer demand, technological advancements, and government policies that supported business growth. The expansion of industries and the availability of new job opportunities contributed to the overall strength of the economy during this period.

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  • 18. 

    The Space ______ was a competition between the United States and the Soviet Union for supremacy in space exploration, a key aspect of the Cold War rivalry. 

    Correct Answer
    Race, race
    Explanation
    The Space Race, fueled by Cold War tensions, was a competition for technological and ideological dominance in space exploration. It led to significant advancements, including the launch of Sputnik (the first artificial satellite), Yuri Gagarin's orbit of Earth, and the Apollo 11 moon landing.

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  • 19. 

    This man became president in 1952 after the Korean stalemate

    • Eisenhower

    • Truman

    • Kennedy

    • Nixon

    Correct Answer
    A. Eisenhower
    Explanation
    Eisenhower is the correct answer because he became president in 1952, which was after the Korean stalemate. Truman was the president during the Korean War and his presidency ended in 1953, before the stalemate. Kennedy became president in 1961 and Nixon became president in 1969, both after the Korean stalemate. Therefore, Eisenhower is the only option that aligns with the given information.

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  • 20. 

    The group that benefited most from the economy and culture of the 1950s was

    • African-American women.

    • African-American men.

    • White women.

    • White men.

    Correct Answer
    A. White men.
    Explanation
    In the 1950s, white men were the group that benefited the most from the economy and culture. This was due to various factors such as the post-war economic boom, which created job opportunities and increased wages for white men. Additionally, societal norms and gender roles of the time favored men, giving them greater access to education, career advancements, and political power. While African-American women and men faced discrimination and limited opportunities, and white women also faced gender inequality, it was white men who enjoyed the most advantages during this period.

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  • 21. 

    __________ is best known for investigain communism in the film industry.

    • The CIA

    • The UN

    • HUAC

    • NATO

    Correct Answer
    A. HUAC
    Explanation
    House Un-American Activities Committee

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  • 22. 

    ____________ was the leader of the Nationalist forces in China.

    • Chiang Kai-shek

    • Mao Zedong

    • Syngman Rhee

    • Kim il Sung

    Correct Answer
    A. Chiang Kai-shek
    Explanation
    Chiang Kai-shek was the leader of the Nationalist forces in China. He played a crucial role in the Chinese Civil War against the Communist forces led by Mao Zedong. Chiang Kai-shek was the head of the Kuomintang party and the leader of the Republic of China. He aimed to establish a democratic and capitalist China, while Mao Zedong aimed to establish a communist regime. Chiang Kai-shek's leadership and military strategies shaped the course of Chinese history during the mid-20th century.

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  • 23. 

    Which of the following did not contribute to our modern lifestyle?        

    • The invention of television

    • The culture of the teenager

    • Fast food restaurants and TV dinners

    • The glorified role of mother and homemaker

    Correct Answer
    A. The glorified role of mother and homemaker
    Explanation
    The invention of television, the culture of the teenager, and fast food restaurants and TV dinners all contributed to our modern lifestyle. However, the glorified role of mother and homemaker did not contribute to our modern lifestyle as it perpetuated traditional gender roles and limited women's opportunities outside of the home.

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  • 24. 

    Which of the following made it illegal to plan anything that might lead to a totalitarian dictatorship in the US?

    • Truman Doctrine

    • Marshall Plan

    • McCarran Internal Security Act

    • Monroe Doctrine

    Correct Answer
    A. McCarran Internal Security Act
    Explanation
    The McCarran Internal Security Act made it illegal to plan anything that might lead to a totalitarian dictatorship in the US. This act, passed in 1950, was a response to the perceived threat of communism during the Cold War. It required communist organizations to register with the government and imposed restrictions on their activities. The act aimed to protect national security and prevent the spread of communism within the United States.

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  • Current Version
  • Jan 20, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 09, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Knalexander
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