Beginning Of The Cold War Quiz
This quiz covers the beginning of the Cold War and American society during the 1950's The quiz is worth a total of 40 points.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
A military alliance of satellite nations under the control of the Soviet Union
- A.
NATO
- B.
Warsaw Pact
- C.
Cold War
- D.
HUAC
- E.
Truman Doctrine
- F.
Eisenhower Doctrine
- G.
Sputnik
- H.
MacCarthyism
- I.
U2 incident
Correct Answer
B. Warsaw PactExplanation
The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance formed in 1955 by the Soviet Union and its satellite nations in response to the establishment of NATO by Western countries. It was created as a counterbalance to NATO and served as a means for the Soviet Union to maintain control over its Eastern European allies. The Warsaw Pact was a key component of the Cold War, representing the division between the Eastern Bloc, led by the Soviet Union, and the Western Bloc, led by the United States.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A government committee created to search for disloyal Americans focusing its attention on Hollywood.
- A.
NATO
- B.
Warsaw Pact
- C.
Cold War
- D.
HUAC
- E.
Truman Doctrine
- F.
Eisenhower Doctrine
- G.
Sputnik
- H.
McCarthyism
- I.
U2 incident
Correct Answer
D. HUACExplanation
The correct answer is HUAC. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) was a government committee created to search for disloyal Americans, particularly those with ties to communism. It gained notoriety in the 1940s and 1950s for its investigations into alleged communist influence in Hollywood, which led to the blacklisting of many individuals in the entertainment industry.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The anti-communist technique that accused Americans of being communist without any evidence. This led to many losing their jobs or being blacklisted.
- A.
NATO
- B.
Warsaw Pact
- C.
Cold War
- D.
HUAC
- E.
Truman Doctrine
- F.
Eisenhower Doctrine
- G.
Sputnik
- H.
McCarthyism
- I.
U2 incident
Correct Answer
H. McCarthyismExplanation
McCarthyism refers to the anti-communist technique that accused Americans of being communist without any evidence. This led to many individuals losing their jobs or being blacklisted.Rate this question:
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- 4.
This Soviet satellite began the space race when the Soviet Union launched the first unmanned object into space.
- A.
NATO
- B.
Warsaw Pact
- C.
Cold War
- D.
HUAC
- E.
Truman Doctrine
- F.
Eisenhower Doctrine
- G.
Sputnik
- H.
MacCarthyism
- I.
U2 incident
Correct Answer
G. SputnikExplanation
Sputnik was the first artificial satellite launched into space by the Soviet Union in 1957. Its launch marked the beginning of the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War. This event was significant as it demonstrated Soviet technological superiority and sparked fear and concern in the United States about the potential military implications of space exploration. The launch of Sputnik also led to increased investment in science and technology education in the United States and ultimately paved the way for the Apollo moon landing in 1969.Rate this question:
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- 5.
This event led to the Soviet Union accusing the United States of spying and caused an increase in tensions between the two countries.
- A.
NATO
- B.
Warsaw Pact
- C.
Cold War
- D.
HUAC
- E.
Truman Doctrine
- F.
Eisenhower Doctrine
- G.
Sputnik
- H.
MacCarthyism
- I.
U2 incident
Correct Answer
I. U2 incidentExplanation
The U2 incident refers to the shooting down of an American U2 spy plane by the Soviet Union in 1960. This event led to the Soviet Union accusing the United States of spying, causing a significant increase in tensions between the two countries during the Cold War. The incident further strained relations between the superpowers and highlighted the ongoing espionage activities during this period.Rate this question:
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- 6.
An era of hostilities between two superpowers, when each tried to spread the economic and political ideas to the world but did not lead to direct conflict between them.
- A.
NATO
- B.
Warsaw Pact
- C.
Cold War
- D.
HUAC
- E.
Truman Doctrine
- F.
Eisenhower Doctrine
- G.
Sputnik
- H.
MacCarthyism
- I.
U2 incident
Correct Answer(s)
C. Cold War
I. U2 incidentExplanation
During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a period of intense rivalry and tension. Both superpowers sought to spread their economic and political ideologies to the rest of the world, but they did not engage in direct conflict with each other. The U2 incident refers to an event during the Cold War when a US spy plane was shot down by the Soviet Union, escalating tensions between the two nations. This incident symbolized the height of the Cold War and the dangerous brinkmanship that characterized the era.Rate this question:
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- 7.
This warning challenged the Soviet Union by letting them know that the United States would defend Middle East against communist attacks.
- A.
NATO
- B.
Warsaw Pact
- C.
Cold War
- D.
HUAC
- E.
Truman Doctrine
- F.
Eisenhower Doctrine
- G.
Sputnik
- H.
MacCarthyism
- I.
U2 incident
Correct Answer
F. Eisenhower DoctrineExplanation
The Eisenhower Doctrine was a policy announced by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957. It stated that the United States would provide military assistance to any Middle Eastern country threatened by communism. This warning challenged the Soviet Union by making it clear that the United States would defend the Middle East against communist attacks. By offering military support, the doctrine aimed to prevent the spread of communism in the region and maintain stability.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The policy of containment that called for the United States to support countries who resisted communism.
- A.
NATO
- B.
Warsaw Pact
- C.
Cold War
- D.
HUAC
- E.
Truman Doctrine
- F.
Eisenhower Doctrine
- G.
Sputnik
- H.
MacCarthyism
- I.
U2 incident
Correct Answer
I. U2 incidentExplanation
The U2 incident refers to the shooting down of an American U2 spy plane by the Soviet Union in 1960. The incident heightened tensions between the two superpowers during the Cold War. The U2 plane was conducting reconnaissance missions over Soviet territory, and its downing exposed the United States' secret intelligence gathering activities. This incident further fueled mistrust and suspicion between the United States and the Soviet Union, and it had significant implications for the ongoing arms race and the overall dynamics of the Cold War.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What did Joseph Stalin do to make President Harry Truman distrust him at the end of WWII?
- A.
He invaded Germany
- B.
He went back on his promise of free elections in Poland.
- C.
He formed the Warsaw pact
- D.
He invaded France
Correct Answer
B. He went back on his promise of free elections in Poland.Explanation
Joseph Stalin's broken promise of free elections in Poland caused President Harry Truman to distrust him at the end of WWII. This act demonstrated Stalin's disregard for his agreements and showed Truman that he could not rely on Stalin to uphold his commitments. This breach of trust likely contributed to the growing tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States during the early stages of the Cold War.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How did the United States respond to the Soviet Union's blockade of a portion of Germany?
- A.
Invading Germany and attacking the Soviet Union forces.
- B.
Spying on the Soviets with U2 spy planes
- C.
Providing supplies to Germans during the Berlin airlift.
- D.
Creating NATO to intimidate the Soviet Union
Correct Answer
C. Providing supplies to Germans during the Berlin airlift.Explanation
During the Soviet Union's blockade of a portion of Germany, the United States responded by providing supplies to Germans during the Berlin airlift. This involved flying in food, fuel, and other necessities to the people of West Berlin, who were cut off from essential supplies due to the blockade. The airlift was a massive logistical operation that lasted for over a year and demonstrated the United States' commitment to supporting its allies and standing up against Soviet aggression.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Which spy case increased the fear of Americans about communism in the late 1940's?
- A.
HUAC spy case
- B.
Etherl and Julius Rosenberg case
- C.
The Hollywood spy case
- D.
The U2 spy case
Correct Answer
B. Etherl and Julius Rosenberg caseExplanation
The correct answer is the Ethel and Julius Rosenberg case. This case increased the fear of Americans about communism in the late 1940s because the Rosenbergs were accused of being spies for the Soviet Union and passing along atomic bomb secrets. Their trial and subsequent execution highlighted the perceived threat of communist infiltration in the United States and intensified the anti-communist sentiment of the time.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Who was the President of the United States at the beginning of the Cold War (1945)
- A.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
- B.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
- C.
Nikita Kruschev
- D.
Harry Truman
Correct Answer
D. Harry TrumanExplanation
Harry Truman was the President of the United States at the beginning of the Cold War in 1945. He took office after the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt and played a crucial role in shaping the early stages of the Cold War. Truman implemented policies such as the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan, which aimed to contain the spread of communism and rebuild war-torn Europe. He also made the decision to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, signaling the start of the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A conglomerate is a company that offers similar products at many locations.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
A conglomerate is not a company that offers similar products at many locations. Instead, a conglomerate is a large corporation that owns a diverse range of businesses operating in different industries. These businesses can offer a wide variety of products and services, but they are not necessarily similar or offered at many locations.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The baby boom began in the late 1940's
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The baby boom refers to a significant increase in the number of births that occurred after World War II. It started in the late 1940s and lasted until the mid-1960s. This period saw a surge in population growth, as soldiers returned from war and started families. Therefore, the statement "The baby boom began in the late 1940s" is true.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Dr. Jonas Salk developed a vaccine for polio
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Dr. Jonas Salk developed a vaccine for polio, which is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the nervous system. The vaccine he developed, known as the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), was first introduced in 1955 and has been instrumental in the global effort to eradicate polio. It is administered through injection and has been proven to be highly effective in preventing polio infections. Dr. Salk's contribution to public health through the development of this vaccine is widely recognized and celebrated. Therefore, the statement "Dr. Jonas Salk developed a vaccine for polio" is true.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Planned obsolescence is a marketing strategy that encouraged to buy more goods by desigining goods to become obsolete.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Planned obsolescence is indeed a marketing strategy that aims to encourage consumers to buy more goods. It involves designing products with a limited lifespan or functionality, which eventually become outdated or unusable, thereby pushing consumers to purchase newer versions or replacements. This strategy helps companies generate more sales and maintain a constant demand for their products.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Consumerism decreased during the 1950's
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. False -
- 18.
This term refers to the migration of middle class families to the suburbs during the 1950's
- A.
Urban Renewal
- B.
Urbanization
- C.
White flight
- D.
Beat movement
Correct Answer
C. White flightExplanation
White flight refers to the phenomenon of middle-class families, particularly white families, moving out of cities and into the suburbs during the 1950s. This was largely motivated by racial tensions and the desire to escape the increasing diversity of urban areas. As a result, many cities experienced a decline in their white population and a concentration of poverty and racial segregation in urban neighborhoods. This term accurately describes the migration pattern of middle-class families during this time period.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the followin artists popularized a an African-American music style with white teenagers?
- A.
Elvis Presley
- B.
Little Richard
- C.
Ritchie Valens
- D.
James Dean
Correct Answer
A. Elvis PresleyExplanation
Elvis Presley popularized a music style called rock and roll, which was heavily influenced by African-American music genres such as rhythm and blues and gospel. His music appealed to both black and white audiences, but he particularly gained popularity among white teenagers. Elvis's energetic performances and unique blend of different musical styles made him a cultural icon and helped bridge the racial divide in music during the 1950s.Rate this question:
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- 20.
These individuals rejected the social pressure of the 1950's by rejecting material goods and not watching television.
- A.
Teenagers
- B.
Greasers
- C.
Hippies
- D.
Beatniks
Correct Answer
D. BeatniksExplanation
During the 1950s, Beatniks were a group of individuals who rejected the social norms and values of the time. They rejected materialism and consumerism by living a simple lifestyle and avoiding the pursuit of material goods. They also rejected mainstream media, including television, as they believed it promoted conformity and consumerism. Therefore, the Beatniks can be seen as individuals who rejected the social pressure of the 1950s by rejecting material goods and not watching television.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Describe the lifestyle of women during the 1950's. Why do you think these expectations were placed on women during the 1950's and do you think a homemaker's was more like a dream or a living nightmare?
- 22.
Explain why Americans feared Communism, give specific examples. How did the Cold War affected life in the United States.
- 23.
A psychologist during the 1950's described television as a "vast wasteland". Do you agree with that statement, explain if you think tv had a positive or negative effect.
- 24.
The group the benefited most from the 1950's economy and society.
- A.
African-Americans
- B.
White women
- C.
White men
- D.
Latinos
Correct Answer
C. White menExplanation
During the 1950s, white men in America experienced significant economic and societal advantages. This can be attributed to several factors, including the post-war economic boom, which led to increased job opportunities and higher wages for white men. Additionally, societal norms and gender roles during this time heavily favored white men, providing them with greater social and political power. This allowed white men to enjoy greater economic stability, career advancements, and overall societal privileges compared to other groups such as African-Americans, white women, and Latinos.Rate this question:
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- 25.
This person ordered the construction of the interstate highway system.
- A.
Joseph McCarthy
- B.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
- C.
Harry Truman
- D.
Julius Rosenberg
Correct Answer
B. Dwight D. EisenhowerExplanation
Dwight D. Eisenhower is the correct answer because he was the one who ordered the construction of the interstate highway system. As the 34th President of the United States, Eisenhower recognized the need for a modern and efficient transportation system and signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, which authorized the construction of the interstate highway system. This system revolutionized transportation in the United States and played a crucial role in economic development and national defense.Rate this question:
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- 26.
This is an excerpt from Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, March 5, 1946 ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT FOLLOWS THE QUOTE From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent. Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. . . . All these famous cities and the populations around them lie in the Soviet sphere and all are subject in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and increasing measure of control from Moscow. Winston Churchill was in favor of the Iron Curtain.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The given statement is false. The excerpt from Winston Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech clearly states that an iron curtain has descended across the continent, dividing Europe into Soviet-controlled and non-Soviet-controlled areas. Nowhere in the excerpt does it suggest that Churchill was in favor of the Iron Curtain.Rate this question:
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- 27.
This is an excerpt from the North Atlantic Treaty in 1948. Answer the question that follows the quote. The parties agree than an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or in North America shall be considered as an attack against them all. They agree that if such an armed attack occurs, each of them will assist the party or parties so attacked. Each will immediately take whatever action it considers necessary to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. It will, if necessary, use armed force. The purpose of NATO was to spread protect the United States and other allies from attacks from the Soviet Union.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because the excerpt from the North Atlantic Treaty clearly states that an armed attack against one or more parties in Europe or in North America will be considered as an attack against all parties. It also states that each party will assist the party or parties that are attacked and take necessary action, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. This demonstrates that the purpose of NATO was indeed to protect the United States and other allies from attacks.Rate this question:
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- 28.
The audience of Rock and Roll was primarily African-American but the Rock and Roll artists of the 1950's were primarily white.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement is false because the audience of Rock and Roll in the 1950s was not primarily African-American, but rather it had a diverse audience consisting of both African-American and white individuals. However, it is true that many of the popular Rock and Roll artists of that time were primarily white.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Mass media of the 1950's included all of the following except.
- A.
Movies
- B.
Television shows
- C.
Radio broadcasts
- D.
Fireside chats
Correct Answer
D. Fireside chatsExplanation
The mass media of the 1950s included movies, television shows, and radio broadcasts. Fireside chats, however, were a form of communication used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s and 1940s, not the 1950s. These chats were a series of radio broadcasts in which Roosevelt addressed the American public on various topics. Therefore, fireside chats were not a part of the mass media during the 1950s.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Which of the following help explains why the 1950's were not as prosperous a time period for minorities as they were for middle class white society?
- A.
Low unemployment for minorities
- B.
Minorities were segregated from middle class society.
- C.
Minorities were suspected of being communists
- D.
Minorities moved to the suburbs.
Correct Answer
B. Minorities were segregated from middle class society.Explanation
The 1950s were not as prosperous for minorities as they were for middle class white society because minorities were segregated from middle class society. This segregation created barriers and limited opportunities for minorities to access resources, education, and employment opportunities that were available to the white middle class. This systemic discrimination and exclusion prevented minorities from fully participating in and benefiting from the economic growth and prosperity of the time period.Rate this question:
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Jan 06, 2023Quiz Edited by
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