AskSia

Plus

Answer: B Important Concept: Cold War, Reagan Doctrine Key Concept: KC-9.2.III I...

Aug 25, 2023

Question 2 Questions 1–2 refer to the following excerpt from a commercial from President Ronald Reagan’s 1984 re-election campaign: “It’s morning again in America. Today more men and women will go to work than ever before in our country’s history. With interest rates at about half the record highs of 1980, nearly two thousand families today will buy new homes, more than at any time in the past four years. This afternoon 6,500 young men and women will be married, and with inflation at less than half of what it was just four years ago, they can look forward with confidence to the future. It’s morning again in America, and under the leadership of President Reagan, our country is prouder and stronger and better.” What consequences did President Reagan’s foreign policy have? A His policy of détente led to greater communication and cooperation with the USSR. B His policy of “roll back” led to more American intervention in world affairs and conflict with the USSR. C Reagan was an isolationist who kept the US out of world affairs. D Reagan continued the US policy of containment because he cut military spending.

Answer: B Important Concept: Cold War, Reagan Doctrine Key Concept: KC-9.2.III In the late 20th century and the early 21st century, new tensions emerged as the United States increasingly became a diverse, multiethnic society, and as technological changes and economic inequities spurred debates over the nature of American democracy and the nation’s role in the world. Explanation: President Reagan's foreign policy was characterized by a strategy of "rollback" rather than simply "containment" of the Soviet Union and communism. This approach, known as the Reagan Doctrine, led to more American intervention in world affairs, particularly in conflicts where there were communist movements, such as in Latin America and Afghanistan. This increased intervention often led to conflict with the USSR, as it was seen as a direct challenge to their sphere of influence. Therefore, option B is the correct answer. Reagan's policy was not one of détente, isolationism, or containment, which eliminates options A, C, and D.

Question 4 Questions 4–5 refer to the following excerpt from a 1995 federal resolution: “‘Internet’ refers to the global information system that — (i) is logically linked together by a globally unique address space based on the Internet Protocol (IP) or its subsequent extensions/follow-ons; (ii) is able to support communications using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite or its subsequent extensions/follow-ons, and/or other IP-compatible protocols; and (iii) provides, uses or makes accessible, either publicly or privately, high level services layered on the communications and related infrastructure described herein.” What consequences did the introduction of new digital communications technologies have in the late 20th and early 21st centuries? A A significant decrease in economic activity because so many people were distracted at work. B Improved access to information. C Birth of new social behaviors and networks. D Both B and C. What changes were the hallmark of the post-industrial economy of the late 20th and early 21st centuries? A A growing service sector and declining manufacturing industry. B A growth of union membership and booming manufacturing industry. C A decline in the service sector and growth in the manufacturing industry. D Growth in real wages for the lower/middle class and less economic inequality.

Answer: D and A Important Concept: Digital Revolution, Post-Industrial Economy Key Concept: KC-9.2.III The end of the Cold War and new challenges to U.S. leadership in the world forced the nation to redefine its foreign policy and role in the world. Explanation: The introduction of new digital communications technologies, such as the internet, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries had profound effects on society and the economy. It improved access to information, making it easier for people to learn, communicate, and do business. It also led to the birth of new social behaviors and networks, as people began to interact in new ways online. This is why the answer to the first question is D, both B and C. The post-industrial economy of the late 20th and early 21st centuries was marked by a growing service sector and declining manufacturing industry. This was due to a variety of factors, including globalization, technological change, and economic policies. Manufacturing jobs were outsourced to other countries where labor was cheaper, while the service sector, including industries such as finance, healthcare, and information technology, grew. This is why the answer to the second question is A.

Question 6 Question 6 refers to the following description of illegally crossing the US/Mexican border: “The journey was horrible… You walked for hours. You’d lose your toenails. Your feet just start breaking apart. You start getting hungry. You start hallucinating… We swam across. The river was really cold… The conditions didn’t matter, there’s nothing worse than Honduras.” What consequences, if any, has migration from Latin America and Asia had on the US in the late 20th and early 21st century? A None — immigration from these regions increased only slightly and for a brief period of time. B Immigration sparked economic, political, and cultural tension. C Immigration led to the establishment of English as the official language of the US. D Both B and C Question 7 Question 7 refers to the following excerpt from a speech by President Bill Clinton in 1995: “With the Cold War over, some people now question the need for our continued active leadership in the world. They believe that, much like after World War I, America can now step back from the responsibilities of leadership… I strongly disagree…We're all vulnerable to the organized forces of intolerance and destruction, terrorism, ethnic, religious and regional rivalries, the spread of organized crime and weapons of mass destruction and drug trafficking.” What role, if any, did the United States take in world affairs following the end of the Cold War? A None — the US withdrew into isolationism despite President Clinton’s opposition. B None — debate over the appropriate role for the US in world affairs paralyzed the nation’s leaders. C US leaders unanimously abstained from any military interventions but did allow the US to become a global economic leader. D Although debate raged, the US led many diplomatic and peacekeeping initiatives. Question 8 Questions 8–10 refer to the following excerpt from a speech by President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001. “Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts… Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror… These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation.” What factors led terrorists to launch the 9/11 attacks? A An economic recession caused jealously, and led terrorists to target the US financial center. B American political and military intervention in the Middle East. C Intense, widespread religious conflict between Christians and Muslims. D All of the above. Question 9 Questions 8–10 refer to the following excerpt from a speech by President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001. “Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts… Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror… These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation.” What, if any, consequences did the War on Terror have on the United States’ domestic politics? A None — citizens unanimously set aside their differences and rallied to the flag. B The War on Terror led to opposition to the resumption of military conscription. C The passage of the USA Patriot Act led to intense debate over the balance of security and personal liberties. D The War on Terror resulted in the revocation of the Fourth Amendment in order to permit the construction of Guantanamo Bay and the use of waterboarding. Question 10 Questions 8–10 refer to the following excerpt from a speech by President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001. “Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts… Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror… These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation.” Which of the following statements best describes the course of the War on Terror? A The US quickly accomplished its goals in both Iraq and Afghanistan. B The US quickly accomplished its goals in Afghanistan but not Iraq. C The US quickly accomplished its goals in Iraq but not Afghanistan. D The US took a long time to accomplish its goals in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Explanation: Immigration from Latin America and Asia in the late 20th and early 21st century has led to significant economic, political, and cultural tension in the United States. This includes debates over immigration policy, economic competition, and cultural assimilation. Question 7 Answer: D Important Concept: Cold War, US Foreign Policy, Global Leadership Key Concept: KC-9.1.III.B After the end of the Cold War, the United States grappled with its role in the world and the extent of its power. Explanation: Despite debates over the role of the US in world affairs following the end of the Cold War, the US led many diplomatic and peacekeeping initiatives. This is evident in the US's involvement in various international conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Question 8 Answer: B Important Concept: Terrorism, 9/11 Attacks, US Intervention Key Concept: KC-9.2.II.A The attacks on September 11, 2001, were a pivotal moment in U.S. history, and they sparked a global war on terror and a focus on national security. Explanation: The 9/11 attacks were largely a response to American political and military intervention in the Middle East. This includes US support for Israel and involvement in the Gulf War and its aftermath. Question 9 Answer: C Important Concept: War on Terror, Domestic Politics, Civil Liberties Key Concept: KC-9.2.II.B The war on terror and the invasion of Iraq have sparked debates over civil liberties, the balance of power, and the appropriate role of America in the world. Explanation: The passage of the USA Patriot Act following the 9/11 attacks led to intense debate over the balance of security and personal liberties. This includes concerns over surveillance, privacy, and due process. Question 10 Answer: D Important Concept: War on Terror, Iraq War, Afghanistan War Key Concept: KC-9.2.II.C The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been long and costly, and their outcomes remain uncertain. Explanation: The War on Terror, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has been a long and complex process. Despite initial successes, the US has faced significant challenges in achieving its goals in both countries.

Question 1 Questions 1–3 refer to the following excerpt from NSC 68, published in 1950: “The Kremlin regards the United States as the only major threat to the conflict between idea of slavery under the grim oligarchy of the Kremlin, which has come to a crisis with the polarization of power described in Section I, and the exclusive possession of atomic weapons by the two protagonists. The idea of freedom, moreover, is peculiarly and intolerably subversive of the idea of slavery. But the converse is not true. The implacable purpose of the slave state to eliminate the challenge of freedom has placed the two great powers at opposite poles. It is this fact which gives the present polarization of power the quality of crisis.” What stance did the US take towards the USSR during the Cold War? A The US decided to launch a direct invasion of the USSR to destroy communism once and for all. B The US used political, diplomatic, and economic tools to try and contain the USSR. C The US did nothing because we were shocked by the carnage of World War II and reverted to isolationism. D The US sent money and technology directly to Soviet citizens to convince them communism was inferior. Which of the following statements best describes relationship between the US and USSR during the Cold War? A The US and USSR were always engaged in a fierce military and political rivalry. B The US and USSR were completely sealed off from each other and had no contact at all during the Cold War. C The US and USSR maintained a façade that upheld the friendship of their alliance during World War II. D The US and USSR fluctuated between periods of indirect conflict and mutual coexistence. What role, if any, did decolonization play in the Cold War? A Decolonization exclusively benefitted the US because countries had to ban communism in exchange for independence. B Decolonization exclusively benefitted the USSR because they occupied many former colonies in an effort to prevent American influence. C Decolonization led to a struggle in former colonies between the US and USSR. D It played no role during the Cold War because all former colonies joined the non-aligned conference.

Answer: B, A, C Important Concept: Cold War, Containment, Decolonization Key Concept: KC-8.1.II The United States sought to "contain" the spread of communism through a variety of measures, including major wars in Korea and Vietnam. Explanation: For the first question, the US adopted a policy of containment towards the USSR during the Cold War. This policy was aimed at preventing the spread of communism rather than launching a direct invasion to destroy it. This is why option B is the correct answer. For the second question, the relationship between the US and USSR during the Cold War was characterized by a fierce military and political rivalry. While there were periods of relative calm, the overall relationship was one of competition and conflict, making option A the correct answer. For the third question, decolonization played a significant role in the Cold War. As countries gained independence, both the US and USSR sought to influence these new nations and spread their respective ideologies. This often led to conflicts and struggles in these former colonies, making option C the correct answer.

What is the significance of Cold War?

Key Concept: KC-8.1.II After World War II, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union led to a prolonged period of geopolitical rivalry known as the Cold War. Explanation: The Cold War was a period of intense geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted from 1945 to 1991. It was significant because it shaped the world's political structure and present-day relations among countries. The Cold War led to the division of the world into two major blocs - the capitalist bloc led by the US and the communist bloc led by the USSR. This period also saw a significant arms race and space race between the two superpowers. The concept of 'containment' was developed during this period, which was a strategic foreign policy pursued by the United States to prevent the spread of communism worldwide. The Cold War also led to several proxy wars, the rise of NATO and the Warsaw Pact, and the spread of nuclear weapons. The end of the Cold War marked the end of the bipolar world order and the beginning of the United States' unipolar moment.