The Contemporary Western World, 1970-present 28 Form A 4/25/10
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Soviet leader who supported intervention if communism was threatened
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Mikhail Gorbachev
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Francois Mitterand
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Mitterand
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Bill Clinton
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Leonid Brezhnev
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This quiz, titled 'The Contemporary Western World, 1970-Present', assesses knowledge on key political figures and events from 1970 onwards, focusing on the Cold War's impact and the political transitions in major world powers.
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- 2.
president who called the Soviet Union an "evil empire"
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Jimmy Carter
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Ronald Reagan
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Erkh Honecker
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Vladimir Putin
Correct Answer
A. Ronald ReaganExplanation
Ronald Reagan is the correct answer because he famously referred to the Soviet Union as an "evil empire" during a speech in 1983. This statement was significant as it reflected Reagan's strong anti-communist stance and his belief that the Soviet Union posed a threat to the United States and its values. Reagan's characterization of the Soviet Union as an "evil empire" became emblematic of his administration's approach towards the Cold War and his commitment to dismantling Soviet influence.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Soviet leader who initiated perestroika
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Mikhail Gorbachev
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Ayatollah Khomeini
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Vladimir Putin
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Francois Mitterand
Correct Answer
A. Mikhail GorbachevExplanation
Mikhail Gorbachev is the correct answer because he was the Soviet leader who initiated perestroika. Perestroika was a policy of political and economic reform in the Soviet Union during the 1980s, aimed at restructuring and revitalizing the country's stagnant economy. Gorbachev's implementation of perestroika was a significant departure from previous Soviet policies and marked a period of significant change in the Soviet Union.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Russian president who succeeded Boris Yeltsin
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Mikhail Gorbachev
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Erkh Honecker
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Richard Nixon
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Vladimir Putin
Correct Answer
A. Vladimir PutinExplanation
Vladimir Putin is the correct answer because he succeeded Boris Yeltsin as the president of Russia. Putin served as the president from 1999 to 2008, and then again from 2012 to the present. He played a significant role in shaping Russian politics and policies during his tenure, and his presidency marked a period of stability and consolidation of power in Russia.Rate this question:
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- 5.
U.S. president who supported NATO attacks against Serbia
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Richard Nixon
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Bill Clinton
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Jimmy Carter
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Vladimir Putin
Correct Answer
A. Bill ClintonExplanation
Bill Clinton is the correct answer because he was the U.S. president who supported NATO attacks against Serbia. During his presidency, Clinton authorized NATO airstrikes against Serbia in 1999 in response to the Serbian government's actions in Kosovo. This military intervention was aimed at stopping the ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses committed by Serbian forces against Kosovar Albanians. Clinton's support for these NATO attacks demonstrated his commitment to international intervention in cases of humanitarian crises and his belief in the importance of collective security through organizations like NATO.Rate this question:
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- 6.
East German leader against whose regime began the demonstrations that ended in the fall of the Berlin Wall
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Mikhail Gorbachev
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Francois Mitterand
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Erich Honecker
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Bill Clinton
Correct Answer
A. Erich HoneckerExplanation
Erich Honecker was the East German leader during the time when the demonstrations against his regime began, eventually leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall. He was the General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) and served as the leader of East Germany from 1971 until his resignation in 1989. Honecker's authoritarian rule and the oppressive policies of the East German government sparked widespread discontent among the population, which ultimately culminated in the protests that brought about the end of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany.Rate this question:
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- 7.
nationalized major French banks and industries
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Francois Mitterand
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Ayatollah Khomeini
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Mikhail Gorbachev
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Jimmy Carter
Correct Answer
A. Francois MitterandExplanation
Francois Mitterand is the correct answer because he was the President of France from 1981 to 1995 and during his presidency, he implemented policies that aimed to nationalize major French banks and industries. This was part of his socialist agenda to increase government control over the economy and reduce the influence of private corporations. Mitterand's nationalization policies were controversial and had mixed results, but they were a significant aspect of his presidency.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Cancelled U.S. participation in the 1980 Summer Olympie Games
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Vladimir Putin
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Francois Mitterand
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Bill Clinton
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Jimmy Carter
Correct Answer
A. Jimmy CarterExplanation
Jimmy Carter is the correct answer because he was the President of the United States in 1980 and made the decision to boycott the Summer Olympic Games held in Moscow, Russia. This decision was made in response to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Carter believed that boycotting the Olympics would send a strong message of disapproval to the Soviet Union and show support for Afghanistan. As a result, the United States did not participate in the 1980 Summer Olympics.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Leader of Iran when 52 Americans were held hostage there
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Ayatollah Khomeini
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Leonid Brezhnev
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Vladimir Putin
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Jimmy Carter
Correct Answer
A. Ayatollah KhomeiniExplanation
Ayatollah Khomeini is the correct answer because he was the leader of Iran during the time when 52 Americans were held hostage there. Khomeini was the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and served as the Supreme Leader from 1979 until his death in 1989. The hostage crisis occurred in 1979 when Iranian militants seized the US Embassy in Tehran and held American diplomats captive for 444 days. Khomeini played a significant role in the events surrounding the hostage crisis and was ultimately responsible for the release of the hostages.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Resigned from office to avoid impeachment
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Bill Clinton
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Jimmy Carter
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Richard Nixon
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Francois Mitterand
Correct Answer
A. Richard NixonExplanation
Richard Nixon resigned from office to avoid impeachment because he was facing impeachment proceedings for his involvement in the Watergate scandal. The scandal involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters, which was linked to Nixon's administration. Nixon's resignation came as a result of mounting evidence against him and the fear of being impeached by the House of Representatives. By resigning, he hoped to avoid the humiliation of impeachment and removal from office.Rate this question:
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- 11.
In political history, the term "detente'' refers to
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The East German movement to have the Berlin Wall removed.
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U.S. foreign policies relating to Soviet, expansion during the Korean War.
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U.S. foreign policies relating to Southeast Asia after the Vietnam War.
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Improved relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the 1970s.
Correct Answer
A. Improved relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the 1970s.Explanation
The term "detente" refers to improved relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Detente was a period of reduced tension and increased diplomacy between the two superpowers, marked by negotiations, arms control agreements, and cultural exchanges. It was a shift away from the confrontational Cold War policies and aimed to promote cooperation and stability between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. This period saw the signing of important agreements such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the Helsinki Accords, which helped to ease tensions and improve relations between the two countries.Rate this question:
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- 12.
_______ and _______ weakened the Soviet economy during Brezhnev's leadership.
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War in Afghanistan; the 1980, Olympics
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War in Vietnam; a weak, corrupt government bureaucracy
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A weak collective farming system; a corrupt government bureaucracy
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A weak collective farming system; the Russian mafia
Correct Answer
A. A weak collective farming system; a corrupt government bureaucracyExplanation
During Brezhnev's leadership, the Soviet economy was weakened by a combination of factors. One of these factors was a weak collective farming system, which resulted in inefficiencies and low agricultural productivity. This led to food shortages and a lack of resources for the economy. Additionally, a corrupt government bureaucracy further exacerbated the economic problems. Corruption hindered effective decision-making and allocation of resources, leading to mismanagement and economic decline. These two factors, a weak collective farming system and a corrupt government bureaucracy, contributed to the weakening of the Soviet economy during Brezhnev's leadership.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following was one of the most serious problems facing Gorbachev's reforms?
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Immigration from Eastern Europe
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The multiethnic republics
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Perestroika in Afghanistan
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Imported furs
Correct Answer
A. The multiethnic republicsExplanation
One of the most serious problems facing Gorbachev's reforms was the issue of the multiethnic republics within the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was composed of various ethnic groups with their own distinct cultures and languages. Gorbachev's reforms aimed to promote openness and democratization, but this led to a resurgence of nationalism among these different ethnic groups. This nationalism ultimately contributed to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, as the various republics sought independence and self-determination.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following founded the Polish national trade union Solidarity?
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LechWalesa
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Mikhail Gorbachev
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Alexander Dubcek
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Vaclav Havel
Correct Answer
A. LechWalesaExplanation
Lech Walesa founded the Polish national trade union Solidarity.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Reforms began in Romania after _______________was removed from power.
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Konrad Adenauer
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Leonid Brezhnev
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Michal Kovac
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Nicolae Ceausescu
Correct Answer
A. Nicolae CeausescuExplanation
After Nicolae Ceausescu was removed from power, reforms began in Romania.Rate this question:
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- 16.
When Slobodan Milosevid stripped Kosovo of its autonomy in 1989,
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Inhabitants of the region benefited form a stronger economic base.
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A brutal war broke out between Serbs and Albanians.
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the Albanians voted Milosevid out and elected Loran Djindic as their new prime minister.
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Albania joined Serbia and Montenegro to forte a new republic.
Correct Answer
A. A brutal war broke out between Serbs and Albanians.Explanation
When Slobodan Milosevid stripped Kosovo of its autonomy in 1989, a brutal war broke out between Serbs and Albanians. This is because the decision to remove autonomy sparked deep-seated tensions between the two ethnic groups in Kosovo. The Albanians, who make up the majority of the population, felt oppressed and marginalized under Serbian rule, leading to widespread protests and eventually escalating into a full-blown conflict. The war resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of people, further exacerbating the already strained relations between Serbs and Albanians in the region.Rate this question:
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- 17.
One of me European Union's first goals was the eslatblishnent of _______.
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A common European currency
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A unified song
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A unified European military
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A common European flag
Correct Answer
A. A common European currencyExplanation
The correct answer is a common European currency. The establishment of a common European currency was one of the early goals of the European Union. This goal was realized with the introduction of the Euro in 1999, which is now used by 19 out of the 27 EU member states. The common currency aims to promote economic integration and facilitate trade and travel within the European Union.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Margaret Thatcher resigned after her plan to ——was rejected.
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Replace local property taxes with a national flat-rate tax
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Resolve conflicts between Catholics and Protestants in Scotland
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Reduce the power of British labor unions
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Reduce unemployment rates in the northern industrial cities
Correct Answer
A. Replace local property taxes with a national flat-rate taxExplanation
Margaret Thatcher resigned after her plan to replace local property taxes with a national flat-rate tax was rejected. This suggests that the rejection of her plan was a significant factor in her decision to resign. It implies that she considered this plan to be a crucial part of her agenda and its rejection undermined her ability to achieve her goals.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The North American Free Trade Agreement sought to
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Improve trade relations between Canada, the United States, and Germany.
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Establish cooperative irade guidelines between Canada, the United States,and Mexico.
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Reduce unemployment in the United States, Mexico, and El Salvador.
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increase the sharing of technology between American and Canadian companies.
Correct Answer
A. Establish cooperative irade guidelines between Canada, the United States,and Mexico.Explanation
The correct answer is "establish cooperative trade guidelines between Canada, the United States, and Mexico." The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a trade agreement between these three countries. Its main objective was to eliminate barriers to trade and investment, promote fair competition, and increase economic cooperation among the member countries. The agreement aimed to establish a framework for the exchange of goods and services, protect intellectual property rights, and resolve trade disputes. By creating cooperative trade guidelines, NAFTA aimed to facilitate trade relations and promote economic growth between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Voters in —— narrowly rejected secession from-the Canadian union in 1995.
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Montreal
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Ontario
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Nunavut
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Quebec
Correct Answer
A. QuebecExplanation
In 1995, voters in Quebec narrowly rejected secession from the Canadian union. This means that the majority of people in Quebec voted against separating from Canada and becoming an independent nation.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Describe the policies of "Thatcherism" and explain why MargaretThatcher ultimately fell from power.
- 22.
What factors led to the rise of neo-Nazi groups in Germany in the 1990's?
- 23.
The capital city of which independent republic is located on the Caspian Sea? 1 ! .- .-Ji^^n ~— Bwdw of the former Soviet Union •—• National boundary National capita)
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Georgia
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Azerbaijan
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Kazakhstan
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Turkemenistan
Correct Answer
A. AzerbaijanExplanation
The correct answer is Azerbaijan. The capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku, is located on the Caspian Sea.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Which three former Soviet republics border on the Black Sea?
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Moldova, Georgia, Armenia
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Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan
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Ukraine, Russia, Belarus
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Georgia, Russia, Ukraine
Correct Answer
A. Georgia, Russia, UkraineExplanation
The correct answer is Georgia, Russia, Ukraine. These three former Soviet republics border the Black Sea. Georgia is located in the South Caucasus region, with its western coastline touching the Black Sea. Russia has a significant portion of its southern coastline along the Black Sea, including the popular tourist destinations of Sochi and Crimea. Ukraine also shares a coastline with the Black Sea, with major port cities such as Odessa and Sevastopol located there.Rate this question:
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- 25.
"Visegrad, with a population of about 30,000, is one of a number of towns where Serb forces carried out 'ethnic cleansing' of Muslims in the past two weeks, according to the Bosnian government. There was chaos in Visegrad. Everything was burned, looted and destroyed/ said [one man], 43, who spoke of the terrible events but would give neither his name nor his profession. He escaped only because he was an invalid with a gangrenous [diseased] leg. Hie survivors of the massacre are (he old, the infirm, the women and the children. They are traumatized by what they witnessed, basely able to speak or to control their emotions." • •—Roy Gutman in Ife Mammoth Book of Eyewitness History^ Jan E. Lewis, 2000According to this news report, whom does the Bosnian government accuse ofcommitting "ethnic cleansing" in Visegrad?
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. Serbs
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Muslims
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Croats
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Communist guerrillas
Correct Answer
A. . SerbsExplanation
The Bosnian government accuses Serb forces of committing "ethnic cleansing" in Visegrad, according to the news report. This is evident from the statement that Serb forces carried out 'ethnic cleansing' of Muslims in the town. The survivors of the massacre are described as the old, the infirm, the women, and the children, indicating that the targeted group was Muslims. Therefore, the correct answer is Serbs.Rate this question:
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- 26.
"Visegrad, with a population of about 30,000, is one of a number of towns where Serb forces carried out 'ethnic cleansing' of Muslims in the past two weeks, according to the Bosnian government. There was chaos in Visegrad. Everything was burned, looted and destroyed/ said [one man], 43, who spoke of the terrible events but would give neither his name nor his profession. He escaped only because he was an invalid with a gangrenous [diseased] leg. Hie survivors of the massacre are (he old, the infirm, the women and the children. They are traumatized by what they witnessed, basely able to speak or to control their emotions." • •—Roy Gutman in Ife Mammoth Book of Eyewitness History^ Jan E. Lewis, 2000 Why do you think the old, the infirm, and women and children survived?
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They hid.
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They were not perceived to be a threat to Serb forces.
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Serb forces preferred to leave mem traumatized.
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They were needed by the Serb forces as witnesses.
Correct Answer
A. They were not perceived to be a threat to Serb forces.Explanation
The old, the infirm, and women and children were not perceived to be a threat to the Serb forces. This suggests that the Serb forces targeted individuals who they believed posed a threat or resistance to their actions. The survivors were likely seen as less capable of resisting or fighting back, and therefore were not targeted for violence.Rate this question:
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- 27.
"There is a great thirst for mutual understanding and mutual communication in the world. It is felt among politicians, it is gaining momentum amongUteinteffigentsia, representatives of culture, and the public at large. And if the Russian word 'perestroika' has easily entered the international lexicon [vocabulary], this is due to more than just interest in what is going on in the Soviet Union. Now the whole world needs restructuring, i.e., progressive development, a fundamental change.... I believe that more and more people will come to realize that through RESTRUCTURING in the broad sense of the woni, the mtegrity of me worM will be erihanced.'' —Mikhail Gorbachev, Penitroika, 1987 Which statement best represents Gorbachev's main point?
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Pereslroika is suited only to Russia's unique circumstances.
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Radical change can bring unexpected consequences and should be avoided.
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People's desire for mutual understanding requires an expanded vocabulary.
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People around the world should embrace restructuring.
Correct Answer
A. People around the world should embrace restructuring.Explanation
Gorbachev's main point is that people around the world should embrace restructuring. He mentions that there is a great thirst for mutual understanding and communication globally and that the whole world needs restructuring for progressive development and fundamental change. He believes that through restructuring, the integrity of the world will be enhanced. This implies that Gorbachev advocates for a global acceptance and implementation of restructuring, rather than it being limited to Russia's unique circumstances or cautioning against radical change.Rate this question:
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