Title: Political Storms at Home and Abroad (1968-1980)
Course: Question Banks

Q: In the late 1960s and early 1970s, many young people embraced a counterculture that rejected which aspects of mainstream American culture?
- casual sex and drug use (Incorrect. The counterculture movement embraced casual sex, or free love, and the use of psychedelic drugs as a path to personal freedom and spiritual enlightenment.)
- rock music and Christianity (Incorrect. Rock and folk music occupied an important place in the counterculture movement. Also, many hippies embraced aspects of early Christianity, such as communal living.)
- personal freedom and social etiquettes (Incorrect. Those Americans embracing cultural dissent sought for greater personal freedom in the form of fewer cultural inhibitions, drug use, and free sexual relations. There was a turning away from traditional social etiquettes and norms.)
- patriarchal family structures and unquestioning patriotism (Correct! Many young people were part of a wave of cultural dissent that rejected traditional family structures, opposed the war in Vietnam, and questioned many traditional norms and values.)
A: patriarchal family structures and unquestioning patriotism

Q: During the wave of cultural dissent in the early 1970s, some Americans dropped out of society altogether to join communes. These “hippies” rejected which aspect of traditional American culture?
- identity politics (Incorrect. Identity politics gained traction in the late 1960s as many Americans advocated for the interests of the subgroups to which they belonged.)
- free love (Incorrect. Free love, or sexual relations outside of traditional marriage relationships without guilt or inhibitions, was embraced by many within the counterculture movement.)
- personal Freedom (Incorrect. Members of the counterculture movement advocated for personal freedom in many forms - the freedom to use drugs, to have casual sex outside of marriage, to choose whether or not to serve in war, and to generally act as one chooses.)
- consumerism (Correct! Hippies rejected the endless pursuit of wealth and material goods, and advocated the abolition of private property.)
A: consumerism

Q: In 1969 a three day concert in Bethel, New York became the symbol of an entire generation. What social trend did Woodstock reflect?
- anarchy (Incorrect. While the number of people attending Woodstock greatly exceeded expectations and jammed roads and overflowed the festival grounds, and those attending rejected traditional social norms, it did not represent true anarchy or rejection of government entirely.)
- materialism (Incorrect. Those attending Woodstock generally rejected traditional materialism or the endless pursuit of wealth and material goods. The fact that Woodstock essentially became a free concert is evidence of its rejection of materialism.)
- unquestioning patriotism (Incorrect. Many attending Woodstock embraced the countercultural movement that opposed the Vietnam war and rejected unquestioning patriotism.)
- cultural rebellion (Correct! Music, drugs, and casual sex were all present and prevalent at Woodstock. These represented a rebellion against traditional cultural norms.)
A: cultural rebellion

Q: The American Indian Movement was founded in part because its members were frustrated with decades and decades of inequality and discrimination toward Native Americans. Which of the following is an example of inequality which led to the American Indian Movement.
- American Indians were prohibited from holding government jobs. (Incorrect. Indigenous People were not explicitly prohibited from holding government jobs, but they were (and continue to be) underrepresented. In response to the American Indian Movement President Nixon hired more Native American employees to work in the Bureau of Indian Affairs.)
- AIM protestors were held prisoner on Alcatraz Island. (Incorrect. AIM protestors occupied Alcatraz Island for 90 days to draw attention to their cause.)
- A demonstration at the Bureau of Indian Affairs was broken up with tear gas and rubber bullets. (Incorrect. Demonstrators marched on Washington D.C. in a march known as the “Trail of Broken Treaties” and occupied the offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. After some back and forth the government ended up negotiating with the demonstrators and the stand-off ended peacefully.)
- Unemployment on reservations was as high as 50 percent. (Correct! Life expectancy for Native Americans was significantly lower, and the suicide rate was significantly higher than in the general population. Indigenous people faced high infant mortality rates, poor access to healthcare, high rates of unemployment, and many lived in poverty.)
A: Unemployment on reservations was as high as 50 percent.

Q: Which is an example of a tactic used by the American Indian Movement to draw attention to their grievances?
- Boycotts (Incorrect. AIM did not generally use boycotts to draw attention to their cause. Instead, they staged protests and occupations of symbolically important locations to draw attention to decades of discrimination.)
- Establishing Native American communes (Incorrect. Many American Indians were already living on reservations separate from the rest of American society. These reservations lacked quality healthcare, schools, or job opportunities. Those living in urban centers faced high rates of poverty.)
- Forming militias to retake Indigenous land (Incorrect. AIM did not use militias to try to violently retake native lands. Instead, they staged protests to draw attention to historical and current inequalities and sought to negotiate with the government for policy changes.)
- Demonstrations and marches (Correct! AIM staged various marches, protests, and demonstrations on historically or symbolically significant locations to draw attention to decades of discrimination and unfair treatment of Native Americans in America.)
A: Demonstrations and marches

Q: The “Trail of Broken Treaties” is an example of
- historical injustices enacted against Indigenous Americans. (Incorrect. The “Trail of Broken Treaties” is what members of AIM called a major demonstration in which they marched on Washington D.C. to call attention to a long history of broken treaties, inequality, and discrimination against Native Americans.)
- armed conflict between law enforcement and the American Indian Movement. (Incorrect. The “Trail of Broken Treaties” was a non-violent demonstration to draw attention to a long history of injustice for American Indians.)
- forced migration of Native Americans from their native land to government reservations. (Incorrect. The Trail of Tears was the name of a forced migration of the five major Native American tribes from the Southeastern United States to the west of the Mississippi.)
- a demonstration staged by AIM to call attention to a long history of discrimination. (Correct! The “Trail of Broken Treaties” was a march by AIM members and supporters in Washington D.C. to occupy the offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and demand improved housing, economic opportunities, and new treaties for Native Americans.)
A: a demonstration staged by AIM to call attention to a long history of discrimination.

Q: On the night of June 28th, 1969 a police raid on a gay bar in New York city sparked an uprising among the gay and lesbian community, which became a watershed event for the gay liberation movement. What was this event called?
- The White Night riots (Incorrect. The White Night riots were a series of violent events in response to the lenient sentencing of Dan White, who assassinated San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States.)
- The vanguard protests (Incorrect. Vanguard was a gay rights youth organization active in San Francisco from 1965 to 1967.)
- The Greenwich uprising (Incorrect. The Stonewall riots occurred in Greenwich Village, in New York City.)
- The Stonewall riots (Correct! On June 28th, 1969 police raided a gay bar inside the Stonewall Hotel in New York City. Tension between the police and gay and lesbian membrers of the community errupted and led to nights of protests and confrontation. This uprising inspired newspapers, activists groups, gay pride parades, and demands for rights for the LGBTQ community.)
A: The Stonewall riots

Q: The Stonewall riots had a significant impact on the overall fight for gay rights in America. What is one direct effect of the Stonewall riots?
- It instigated a police crackdown on gay and lesbian activity in New York City. (Incorrect. Police raids on gay bars was already common in New York city prior to the Stonewall riots. Fed up with living in fear, the gay community began pushing back.)
- It caused further division among the Gay and Lesbian community. (Incorrect. The Stonewall riot was a pivotal moment that united the gay and lesbian community and inspired the formation of activist groups, newspapers, and a more organized fight for gay rights.)
- The formation of Vanguard, a gay rights youth organization. (Incorrect. Vanguard was a gay rights youth organization founded prior to the Stonewall riots, in 1965 in San Francisco.)
- The Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists’ Alliance were formed. (Correct! Following the riots there was a push for gay rights across the country. Several gay newspapers were formed, gays began marching in the street openly and proudly, and several activist organizations were formed to fight for gay rights.)
A: The Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists’ Alliance were formed.

Q: The Stonewall riots were a watershed moment in our history. Which statement below best describes their impact?
- Prior to the riots, American Indians had little access to healthcare or quality education; following the riots, bills were passed to improve Native American political representation, education, and healthcare. (Incorrect. President Nixon and Congress passed laws to improve Native American access to healthcare and education, among other things, in response to activism by groups such as AIM, not in response to the Stonewall riots.)
- Prior to the riots, the Equal Rights Amendment was gaining political momentum, after the riots, the religious right succeeded in mounting a campaign to shut down the Equal Rights Amendment. (Incorrect. The Stonewall riots were a pivotal event in the fight for gay rights, not in direct connection to the Equal Rights Amendment.)
- Prior to the riots, there were no gay rights organizations or organized resistance; after the riots, many organizations were formed to fight for sexual freedom and equality. (Incorrect. Even before the Stonewall riots, there were various gay rights organizations, protests, and acts of resistance. However, Stonewall was a watershed moment that united many loosely organized groups and galvanized the movement for gay rights.)
- Prior to the riots, the gay rights movement was relatively small and localized; following the riots, the fight for gay rights gained momentum and mainstream visibility. (Correct. Stonewall was certainly not the first example of resistance against anti-gay laws, but it was a pivotal event that moved the fight for gay rights into the mainstream consciousness.)
A: Prior to the riots, the gay rights movement was relatively small and localized; following the riots, the fight for gay rights gained momentum and mainstream visibility.

Q: Which of the following best describes significant changes sought by feminists in the 1970s?
- The overthrow of the Equal Rights Amendment (Incorrect. Socially conservative groups such as Phyllis Schafly’s STOP ERA organization successfully opposed the ERA and it failed to ratify.)
- The abolition of marriage (Incorrect. A few fringe groups of feminists proposed ideas such as the abolition of marriage, but the majority of feminists fought for more moderate reforms, such as changing divorce laws, laws prohibiting employment discrimination, and the inclusion of women in politics.)
- Equal representation of the sexes in Congress (Incorrect. Feminists fought for and began to achieve increased representation of women in politics, but did not necessarily aspire to fully equal representation of men and women in congress.)
- The reform of divorce laws (Correct! By the end of the 1970s, almost every state had adopted no-fault divorce laws. These reforms made it much easier for women to escape abusive or unhappy marriages, but they also resulted in divorce rates doubling between 1959 and 1979.)
A: The reform of divorce laws

Q: Describe the fate of the Equal Rights Amendment.
- The ERA failed to pass Congress with a ⅔ majority (Incorrect. The ERA passed Congress easily and looked like it was headed for a quick ratification by the states before it stalled and then failed to pass due to the work of conservative activist groups.)
- Because of the efforts of feminists in the 1970’s, the ERA was ratified (Incorrect. The ERA failed to get the necessary 38 states to ratify, and therefore did not become a Constitutional Amendment.)
- In the Equal Rights Amendment, the Supreme Court Ruled that women and men were equal before the law. (Incorrect. The Supreme Court cannot create new amendments to the Constitution, they can only rule on whether or not existing laws are constitutional.)
- Because of the efforts of conservative activists, the ERA narrowly failed ratification (Correct! Conservative groups such as STOP ERA led a successful grassroots campaign to prevent the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment.)
A: Because of the efforts of conservative activists, the ERA narrowly failed ratification

Q: What was one of the arguments against the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment?
- Women already had full legal equality, even without the ERA. (Incorrect. Conservative activists did not try to argue that women and men were already equal, but that the law provided special protection for women that could be nullified by the ERA.)
- The ERA would take jobs away from men who needed work to support their families. (Incorrect. This was not a major argument used in opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment.)
- The Equal Rights Amendment would lead to full racial integration. (Incorrect. While many who opposed the Equal Rights Amendment may have also opposed racial integration, conservative activists groups fighting against the ERA did not explicitly campaign against Civil Rights.)
- The Equal Rights Amendment would be disadvantageous to women by nullifying laws giving women special protections. (Correct! Phyllis Schlafly, a conservative activist, argued that the ERA would actually hurt women by eliminating some protections such as Social Security for widows, custody preference for mothers, and labor protection for women.)
A: The Equal Rights Amendment would be disadvantageous to women by nullifying laws giving women special protections.

Q: Which of the following groups did Richard Nixon champion in his 1968 bid for the presidency?
- “Dixiecrats” (Incorrect. Dixiecrats is a nickname for conservative Southern Democrats. While some supported Nixon, more supported third party candidate George C. Wallace.)
- “White ethnics” (Incorrect. “White ethnics” refers to recent immigrants from European nations who made up part of the Democratic base.)
- blue-collar union members (Incorrect. While Nixon appealed to middle class blue collar workers as a part of what he called the “silent majority”, unionized blue-collar constituents were a significant part of the traditional Democratic base.)
- “the silent majority” (Correct! The silent majority is a term Nixon coined to refer to a political majority that feels unheard. In this case, he was referring in particular to northern, blue-collar, suburban White people.)
A: “the silent majority”

Q: Which statement below best describes the “southern strategy” employed by Richard Nixon in his 1968 presidential campaign?
- Nixon earned the southern vote by supporting segregation. (Incorrect. Nixon opposed segregation. However, he believed that the Southern states should be allowed to pursue integration at their own pace.)
- Nixon gained Black southern votes by supporting the application of the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment. (Incorrect. Nixon promised to reform the Supreme Court, who he accused of “coddling criminals” by applying the equal protection and due process clause of the 14th amendment.)
- Nixon promoted laws that would disenfranchise Black voters. (Incorrect. Nixon publicly condemned laws that prohibited Black Americans from voting. However, he pursued a policy of deferring to states to pursue Civil Rights reform at their own pace.)
- Nixon denounced segregation, but also opposed forced integration. (Correct! Nixon publicly opposed segregation and denying the vote to Black Americans, but maintained that Southern states should be allowed to pursue integration and Civil Rights at their own pace, and opposed forcing integration federally.)
A: Nixon denounced segregation, but also opposed forced integration.

Q: Joe lives in a suburb of Minneapolis in 1968. He has a comfortable middle-class job, but he is bewildered by recent protests and is disturbed by the counterculture movement of the 1960’s. Based on your knowledge of the 1968 Presidential campaign, who do you think Joe is most likely to vote for?
- Lyndon Johnson (Incorrect. Lyndon Johnson was the incumbent President in 1968 who declined to run again as his strategy in Vietnam became less and less popular.)
- Robert Kennedy (Incorrect. Robert Kennedy appealed to minorities, Catholics, and many young, anti-war voters. He won the Democratic nomination, but was shot and killed before he could run for the Presidency.)
- Eugene McCarthy (Incorrect. McCarthy appealed to young, anti-war activists who wanted social change, and who didn’t support President Johnson’s war in Vietnam.)
- Richard Nixon (Correct! Nixon’s campaign targeted voters like Joe, whom he called the “silent majority” - blue-collar or middle class White Americans who felt overlooked by current politics.)
A: Richard Nixon

Q: In early 1968 Lyndon Johnson’s support among Democratic voters eroded dramatically. What event spurred this decrease in popularity?
- The trial of the Chicago Seven (Incorrect. The protests outside the Democratic National Convention, and the trial of the “Chicago Seven” that followed all occurred after Lyndon Johnson decided to withdraw from the Presidential race.)
- The Supreme Court’s decision in Brown vs. Board of Education (Incorrect. The Republican party was more divided on the issues of integration and Civil Rights than the Democratic party.)
- Woodstock (Incorrect. The musical festival known as Woodstock was an example of the growing counterculture movement. This movement certainly played into the political atmosphere, but was not a significant factor in Johson’s decline in popularity.)
- The Tet Offensive in Vietnam (Correct! Early in the primary season Johnson was overwhelmingly favored by Democratic voters. However, following the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, and the feeling that the Vietnam War was “unwinnable,” voters started to shift their support to anti-war candidates such as Eugene McCarthy.)
A: The Tet Offensive in Vietnam

Q: Wyatt Johnson comes from a long line of Southern Democrats. However, he opposes racial integration and is angry about federally mandated Civil Rights laws. Who would he be most likely to vote for in the 1968 Presidential election?
- Richard Nixon (Incorrect. While some Southern Democrats did switch parties in order to vote for Richard Nixon, particularly with his southern strategy that appealed to southern voters, many more Dixiecrats voted for George C. Wallace, the third party candidate and segregationist from Alabama.)
- Robert Kennedy (Incorrect. Robert Kennedy appealed to Catholics, African-Americans, and young, idealistic American voters. He was assassinated after winning the Democratic primary and before he could run for President.)
- Lyndon Johnson (Incorrect. Lyndon Johnson dropped out of the primary race early in 1968 and therefore was not a presidential candidate.)
- George C. Wallace (Correct! George C. Wallace was the third party candidate that appealed to many Dixiecrats – southern Democrats – many who opposed the progress being made in the Civil Rights movement.)
A: George C. Wallace

Q: Paul is a 21 year old college student who generally would vote for a Democratic nominee. In the 1968 election, instead of supporting the incumbent President, Lyndon Johnson, he cut his long hair and shaved in order to “get clean for Gene” and campaign for candidate Eugene McCarthy in New Hampshire. What political priorities might have caused Paul to support McCarthy instead of Johnson?
- His feelings that marijuana should be legalized (Incorrect. While many young people of the 1960’s were part of a counterculture movement that celebrated freedom in the form of recreational drugs, this was not a major point of conflict in the Democratic party.)
- He believes that schools should be integrated (Incorrect. Both McCarthy and Johnson supported the integration of schools.)
- He opposes military support for Israel (Incorrect. Robert Kennedy was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan because Kennedy was a proponent of military support for Israel. However, this was not a major issue that separated McCarthy and Johnson.)
- His opposition to the war in Vietnam (Correct! McCarthy decided to run for President against the incumbent Lyndon Johnson because he opposed Johnson’s handling of the war in Vietnam. He quickly attracted young, anti-war supporters who campaigned for him in New Hampshire. Although Johnson won the New Hampshire primary, it was a very close race, which led to Johnson’s decision to withdraw from the race.)
A: His opposition to the war in Vietnam

Q: Which statement below best describes the state of the U.S. economy under President Nixon?
- Strong post-war growth led to U.S. dominance in world markets (Incorrect. Strong post war growth in Asia and Western Europe created more competition for the United States. The United States, and the U.S. dollar would no longer dominate international trade.)
- The Rust Belt prospered as car manufacturers developed new, more fuel efficient cars (Incorrect. The Rust Belt was hit particularly hard in these years as many manufacturing jobs moved South or were lost to cheap inmate labor.)
- The recession hit the Sun Belt particularly hard, as jobs moved further North (Incorrect. The Sun Belt was one area that saw growth in the Nixon years. The Sun Belt prospered even as the Rust Belt declined.)
- Inflation rose to 12% and the country entered an economic recession (Correct! A number of factors – such as political conflict and development in Asia and Western Europe – created challenges and competition for the U.S. economy. Inflation rose dramatically and the economy suffered.)
A: Inflation rose to 12% and the country entered an economic recession

Q: In the seven years prior to Nixon’s presidency, the United States had enjoyed economic expansion. However, by the mid 1970’s, the economy was suffering. What is one contributing factor to the economic doldrums of the 1970’s?
- Increased regulation of prison labor, which created an increase in the cost of labor overall. (Incorrect. Nixon oversaw a deregulation of prison labor, which contributed to lower wages in the Rust Belt)
- Labor shortages led to a decrease in domestic oil production, and a dramatic rise in gas prices. (Incorrect. In the 1970s the United States experienced dramatic rises in gas prices due to political conflict with Arab nations. It became clear how dependent the U.S. was on foreign sources of oil.)
- U.S. companies in the Sun Belt began to export production across the border to Mexico. (Incorrect. In the 1970’s the United States experienced growth in the Sun Belt even as the Rust Belt declined. Many companies moved from the North further South where there were fewer unions and regulations and more favorable tax policies. Skilled workers followed.)
- Development in Asia and Western Europe created competition for American businesses. (Correct! Post-war growth in Japan and Germany in particular created competition for American businesses and U.S. imports began to far outpace our exports.)
A: Development in Asia and Western Europe created competition for American businesses.

Q: In June of 1973, an American family might have to wait in line for hours to fill their car up with gas. They were asked to turn their thermostat down and to not put up Christmas lights. These examples of forced and voluntary rationing were the result of
- a rise in oil prices as the dollar was allowed to float freely against the price of gold. (Incorrect. Under Nixon’s leadership the dollar was allowed to fluctuate free of its old link to gold. This did impact the international oil industry, but was not the primary factor that led to the oil embargo which created the 1973 oil crisis.)
- The regulation of the domestic oil industry in response to a study conducted by the EPA. (Incorrect. The 1973 oil crisis was the result of an oil embargo by OAPEC nations in retaliation for the US support of Israel in the Yom Kippur war. The US learned that we could not depend on our own domestic oil production.)
- Russia refusing access to their oil pipelines in response to Nixon meeting with Chairman Mao Zedong. (Incorrect. Nixon did pit the two communist nations against each other, but he did so by building independent relations with each of them. Russia did not retaliate against the United States in response to improved US relations with China.)
- an oil embargo by OAPEC countries in response to the Yom Kippur War. (Correct! The United States supported Israel in the Yom Kippur war, which angered other Arab nations. In retaliation they enforced an oil embargo against the United States. The price of oil tripled, which created a shock in the US economy. Gas was rationed, prices increased, and the US experienced major fuel shortages.)
A: an oil embargo by OAPEC countries in response to the Yom Kippur War.

Q: Although he faced significant storms at home, President Nixon prioritized foreign policy. In 1969 he announced a new foreign policy principle, the Nixon Doctrine, which is best described in which statement?
- The United States would no longer assist its allies in defense of communism (Incorrect. According to the Nixon Doctrine, the United States would still support its allies, but each nation would carry the primary burden of supplying manpower for their own defense.)
- The United States would reopen diplomatic relations with China, and with any nation who sought good-faith diplomacy (Incorrect. While Nixon did reopen relations with China, this was not a component of the Nixon Doctrine)
- The United States would pay any price, bear any burden, defend any friend, and oppose any foe in order to assure the survival and success of liberty (Incorrect. This is the Kennedy Doctrine, in which we see the foundations of much of the approach to the “us vs. them” mentality of the Cold War.)
- The United States would not undertake all the defense of all the free nations of the world (Correct! Nixon stated that while we would still support our allies and provide a “nuclear umbrella” if needed, the primary burden of defense fell on each nation individually.)
A: The United States would not undertake all the defense of all the free nations of the world

Q: President Nixon reversed two decades of foreign policy when he visited China in February of 1972. While unexpected, his visit had a number of strategic objectives. Which of the following did Nixon hope to achieve by opening a bridge of communication with China?
- Nixon hoped that an alliance with China would provide support for the United States’ ongoing conflict with Russia. (Incorrect. Nixon was hopeful that opening up communication with China would pit China and Russia against each other, and that Russia would seek a more productive relationship with the United States in order to preserve its power on the world stage.)
- Nixon wanted approval from China to pursue interests in the Asia-Pacific region. (Incorrect. One of the things that the United States and China agreed to is that neither nation would seek a hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region. China was not supportive of increased U.S. influence in Asia.)
- He was hopeful that an increased alliance with China would prompt Japan to seek a more productive relationship with the U.S. as they sought for global position and power. (Incorrect. Nixon was hopeful that opening communication with China would prompt Russia to open a more productive relationship with the United States in order to compete for global influence.)
- He hoped that an alliance with China would isolate Vietnam and pave the way for a peace settlement. (Correct! Nixon was hopeful that an alliance with China would ease a peace settlement with Vietnam, and would allow the United States to withdraw honorably. Working towards withdrawing troops from Vietnam was one of the points that the United States agreed to in the Shanghai Communique.)
A: He hoped that an alliance with China would isolate Vietnam and pave the way for a peace settlement.

Q: President Nixon took a bold approach to foriegn policy during his tenure as President. Which of the following strategies did he employ in his foreign policy?
- Mutual assured destruction (Incorrect. This is a Cold War policy where both the United States and Russia had enough nuclear and ballistic firepower that any attack on the other would be devastating to themselves. It was believed that this acted as a deterrent toward nuclear war. Nixon took a more pragmatic and diplomatic approach of reopening communication with our Cold War enemies.)
- The containment of Communism (Incorrect. Both Kennedy and Johnson prioritized the containment of Communism, but Nixon believed that this approach hadn’t worked and moved toward a less idealistic approach to foreign policy wherein the United States prioritized detente - or a relaxing of tensions between our former Cold War enemies.)
- Prioritizing morality in our diplomatic relations (Incorrect. His visits and negotiations with China and the USSR show that Nixon was willing to engage in diplomacy with nations with poor human rights records. While the Kennedy doctrine proclaimed that the United States would fight for liberty anywhere, Nixon took a more realistic, pragmatic approach that focused on securing American advantages in foreign policy.)
- Playing communist nations against each other (Correct! By driving a wedge between China and Russia - natural enemies and major world powers – the United States ensured that each nation would be competing for U.S. favor, and would be open to making concessions that would favor the U.S. politically and economically. This is a good example of Nixon’s political realism.)
A: Playing communist nations against each other

Q: John Kerry was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy who fought in Vietnam. He was a decorated war veteran, but upon the conclusion of his service, he joined the anti-war organization “Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW).” He attended multiple protests and even testified in front of a Congressional committee. Which statement best describes why Kerry and thousands of other veterans joined the anti-war movement during the Nixon administration?
- Kerry and others wanted to break our alliance with the South Vietnamese, who used brutal war tactics (Incorrect. While the South Vietnamese did often use brutal tactics to take and control territory, the focus of the VVAW was not to break the alliance.)
- Many war veterans were disillusioned with the lack of support for U.S. troops (Incorrect. Returning soldiers from Vietnam often faced backlash for their service from anti-war activists. However, the VVAW was protesting against continued conflict because of the United States role in atrocities committed against the Vietnamese people.)
- The VVAW were protesting the arrest and sentencing of Lt. William Calley (Incorrect. While thousands joined protests following the sentencing of Calley, that was not the focus of the VVAW. They wanted America to withdraw from the war because of the kind of crimes committed by soldiers like Calley.)
- They disapproved of the brutality and violence conducted against the Vietnamese people (Correct! While the U.S. was officially allied with the South Vietnamese and were attempting to win “hearts and minds,” Kerry testified of the many war crimes committed on a regular basis against combatants and civilians alike. Many veterans believed the conflict to be unjust and believed that what the United States was doing was morally wrong.)
A: They disapproved of the brutality and violence conducted against the Vietnamese people

Q: What actions did President Nixon take in response to the growing anti-war movement in the United States?
- President Nixon sent a platoon to destroy the town of My Lai in an attempt to end the war quickly. (Incorrect. The atrocities committed at My Lai were widely publicized and fueled increased disapproval for the war, but they were not ordered by President Nixon directly.)
- Nixon took a much publicized trip to China to draw media attention away from the conflict in Vietnam. (Incorrect. Nixon’s highly publicized trip to China was a hallmark of his presidency, but it was not in direct response to our failures in Vietnam. However, while in China, the United States did reaffirm our commitment to withdraw troops.)
- President Nixon deployed the National Guard to break up protests across the country. (Incorrect. Except in rare cases, the National Guard is deployed by state governors, not the U.S. President. National Guard troops were deployed to protests in Ohio and Mississippi, but on the orders of their respective governors, not the President.)
- Nixon began turning more of the responsibility for the war over to the South Vietnamese. (Correct! Called Vietnamization, the United States started to shift responsibility to the South Vietnamese by increasing training, and providing U.S. weapons.)
A: Nixon began turning more of the responsibility for the war over to the South Vietnamese.

Q: Publicly, the United States had a policy of “winning hearts and minds” in Vietnam. In reality, the U.S. was waging violent and brutal warfare on citizens and combatants alike. As Nixon looked to exit the conflict, he instituted a public policy of “Vietnamization.” Privately, the administration ________.
- signed a secret ceasefire agreement with the Viet Cong (Incorrect. The Paris Peace Accords were signed in January of 1973. The participants included the North Vietnamese, the South Vietnamese, and the United States. This peace agreement was not done in secret. It signaled the end of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, but fighting between the other parties only stopped for a day before the treaty was broken and conflict renewed again.)
- ordered the Tet Offensive (Incorrect. The Tet Offensive was a coordinated offensive attack by North Vietnamese forces on more than 100 South Vietnamese cities and outposts.)
- started withdrawing troops without Congressional approval (Incorrect. The gradual withdrawal of troops was part of Nixon’s policy of Vietnamization.)
- authorized the bombing of Cambodia (Correct! Without Congressional or public approval, the Nixon administration authorized the bombing of neighboring Cambodia to cut off supply lines and destroy Viet Cong bases.)
A: authorized the bombing of Cambodia

Q: Which political action triggered the protests at Kent State?
- President Nixon releasing Lt. Calley and placing him under house arrest instead (Incorrect. In response to “Free Calley” protests, President Nixon released Calley from custody and placed him under house arrest. This was not related to the protests at Kent State.)
- Opening negotiations with the communist government of China (Incorrect. This move was surprising to many, but there was not significant backlash from the anti-war movement to developing relations with China.)
- The razing and destruction of My Lai (Incorrect. Reports of the brutality at My Lai certainly contributed to the anti-war movement. However, it did not directly lead to the protests and shooting at Kent State, which were in direct response to the U.S. invasion of Cambodia.)
- The U.S. invasion of Cambodia (Correct! The Nixon administration secretly bombed Cambodia, but they couldn’t keep an invasion a secret. Nixon announced that U.S. soldiers would be moving into Cambodia on April 30, 1970. The shooting at a Kent State protest occurred on May 1.)
A: The U.S. invasion of Cambodia

Q: Kent State University in Ohio, and Jackson State College in Mississippi (an African American college) were both the location of major student demonstrations against the U.S. invasion of Cambodia in May of 1970. Describe the similarities and/or differences between what happened at each of those Universities.
- That National Guard was called to both schools; students were killed at Jackson, while the conflict was resolved peacefully at Kent State. (Incorrect. The National Guard responded to unrest at Kent State, state and local police responded to Jackson. In both conflicts, the law enforcement fired on protestors and students were killed.)
- Both schools had major protests; the protest at Jackson got violent, while the protest at Kent State remained peaceful. (Incorrect. In both conflicts, protestors were reported as throwing rocks at law enforcement, and setting fires to buildings. Both conflicts turned increasingly more violent with law enforcement fired on the student protestors.)
- At both schools the National Guard fired on protestors; the protestors at Kent were mostly from outside anti-war groups, while the protestors at Jackson were primarily students . (Incorrect. The protestors at both schools were primarily students. In the Kent State shooting, two of the students killed weren’t even protesting, but were simply crossing the campus to get to class.)
- Both had clashes with law enforcement; the conflict at Kent State had major media coverage, while the incident at Jackson was largely ignored. (Correct! In both tragic incidents, law enforcement (National Guard at Kent State, and police at Jackson) was called to suppress and control protests. While students were killed in both incidents, the shooting at Kent State was widely covered by the media and led to many more protests across the country. The shooting at Jackson received very little media attention.)
A: Both had clashes with law enforcement; the conflict at Kent State had major media coverage, while the incident at Jackson was largely ignored.

Q: Which statement best describes the effect of the Kent State shootings on the overall anti-war movement?
- Anti-war demonstrations decreased significantly following the show of force at Kent State. (Incorrect. Following the shootings at Kent State, protests were staged all over the country, including a demonstration of 100,000 people in Washington D.C. and a mass student walkout, closing schools all over the US.)
- Focus on the National Guard’s use of force at Kent State drew attention away from the Vietnam War and allowed Nixon to proceed in Cambodia. (Incorrect. The shootings at Kent State triggered protests, walkouts and demonstrations against the use of force and the Vietnam war all over the country. It only increased pressure on the Nixon administration to get out of Vietnam.)
- Appalled by the shootings at Kent State, Americans united in opposition to the actions of the National Guard. (Incorrect. A Gallup Poll following the Kent State shootings showed that 58% of respondents felt that the student protestors were to blame. Significant counter-protests sprung up in response.)
- The media coverage of the shootings amplified the sentiment against the war in Vietnam. (Correct! The incident at Kent State served to galvanize the anti-war movement. Following the shooting, University students all over the country staged walk-outs and 100,000 protestors gathered in Washington D.C. to demonstrate against the Vietnam War.)
A: The media coverage of the shootings amplified the sentiment against the war in Vietnam.

Q: On May 8th, a large group of construction workers and office workers stormed the streets of New York in an impromptu protest. What conditions led these blue and white collar workers to barge into City Hall, in an incident that later became known as the “hard-hat riot?’
- The workers were angry at rising inflation, and the failure of the government to support the “silent majority.” (Incorrect. Nixon campaigned on a promise to support the “silent majority” but during his presidency the economic doldrums and improvements in Civil Rights hit the white working class especially hard. These festering frustrations may have contributed to the hard-hat riot, but the more proximal cause was the anti-war protests following the Kent State shooting. The workers felt the protestors were unruly and unpatriotic.)
- The workers were disgusted by the actions of the National Guard at Kent State, and stormed City Hall to demand justice. (Incorrect. Just the opposite. Many Americans felt that the shooting at Kent State was the fault of protestors, and that the anti-war protests had gotten out of hand, becoming increasingly violent and anti-American.)
- Lax labor laws and decreased government regulations under Nixon led to unionized workers feeling disenfranchised and ignored. (Incorrect. Surely many blue-collar workers were feeling the effects of inflation and the economic downturn of the 1970’s. But this didn’t lead to the hard-hat riots. However, Nixon’s tactful support of the rioters contributed to blue-collar workers - traditionally Democratic voters - becoming more reliable Republican supporters.)
- The rioters were angry at the actions of anti-war protestors, whom they saw as unruly, unlawful, and unamerican. (Correct! While many Americans were horrified at the Kent State shootings, many Americans felt it was the fault of unruly protestors, and anger at the anti-war movement increased. A group of around 400 construction workers stormed an anti-war protest in New York in the days after the Kent State shootings. They shouted things like “USA all the way!” and “America! Love it or leave it!”)
A: The rioters were angry at the actions of anti-war protestors, whom they saw as unruly, unlawful, and unamerican.

Q: Opposition to social reform in the 1960s and 1970s was often most pronounced in the North. A white, middle class woman in Boston named Louisa Day Hicks formed an organization called “ROAR” (Restore Our Alienated Rights). What policy in particular did ROAR oppose?
- Affirmative action policies as implemented in the workforce and in higher education (Incorrect. While the application of Affirmative Action policies contributed to the growing resentment of many in the White middle class, ROAR was in direct response to the integration of public schools in the Boston area.)
- The segregation of Black and White schools in Boston (Incorrect. ROAR was in favor of maintaining the status quo – which was racially segregated schools as a result of racially segregated neighborhoods. They opposed mandated integration which implemented a system of busing students from White neighborhoods into traditionally Black schools and vice versa.)
- The desegregation of public buses, parks, and swimming pools (Incorrect. ROAR, and many opposed to Civil Rights reform, did not oppose integration in principle, but rather in practice. They advocated for local control over schools, and opposed busing students from Black neighborhoods into White schools.)
- Busing of students from Black neighborhoods to White schools (Correct! While framed as a fight for local control over education, ROAR (representative of many White parents in Boston) opposed the mandated desegregation of schools that used busing to create greater racial integration.)
A: Busing of students from Black neighborhoods to White schools

Q: In the 1970s, many movies featured a vigilante hero who worked outside of the confines of the law. This was a response to ________.
- dropping crime rates under Nixon’s “law and order” administration (Incorrect. While Nixon did emphasize “law and order,” crime rates were rising significantly during his administration. Those rising crime rates led many in America to feel that social reforms and laws were failing to protect the American people.)
- disillusionment with law enforcement following the shootings at Kent State and Jackson (Incorrect. The vigilante heroes of the 1970s were in response to American dissatisfaction with social movements, not with law enforcement in general.)
- the experience of Vietnam veterans who no longer trusted government authority (Incorrect. The rise of a vigilante hero was in response to social movements that were perceived to hinder police and government authorities from keeping their communities safe.)
- liberal social policies that were perceived as a disruptive force that protected criminals (Correct! Crime rates were rising rapidly at this time, and simultaneously the Supreme Court ruled in favor of rights for accused persons in <em>Miranda v. Arizona</em>. This led many to feel that social liberalism was protecting criminals, harming their children, and undermining traditional American values. As opposed to movie heroes of the past, the anti heroes of the 1970s could work outside of laws and a system that was perceived to be letting the American people down.)
A: liberal social policies that were perceived as a disruptive force that protected criminals

Q: Explain the effect the Pentagon Papers had on America’s involvement in Vietnam.
- The Pentagon Papers were an agreement between the US, Russia, and China to allow the United States to pull out of Vietnam under favorable terms. (Incorrect. Because of the United States’ improved relations with China and Russia, both of those nations urged North Vietnam to use restraint and paved the way for the United States to negotiate a withdrawal from Vietnam. However, this was not related to the Pentagon Papers.)
- The Pentagon Papers outlined Nixon’s intention to invade Cambodia, which violated the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution and Congress no longer approved funding for the war. (Incorrect. Nixon did invade Cambodia, which led to increased protests and calls for our withdrawal from Vietnam. The Pentagon Papers, however, focused on the United States’ long history in Vietnam and revealed ways the government had misled the public about their involvement there. The bombing of Cambodia was not a violation of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, as that resolution gave the President blanket authority to wage war agains the North Vietnamese.)
- The Pentagon Papers gave the President a blanket authorization to take any measure to repel and prevent further aggression by the North Vietnamese. (Incorrect. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution gave the president the authority to “take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression” by the government of North Vietnam.)
- The Pentagon Papers further undermined public confidence in the Vietnam war, contributing to the end of U.S. involvement there. (Correct! The Pentagon Papers revealed the true nature of the conflict in Vietnam, further undermining confidence in the justness of the war in Vietnam, and definitively turning many against the war. Under increased public pressure, Nixon moved to negotiate and withdraw troops from Vietnam.)
A: The Pentagon Papers further undermined public confidence in the Vietnam war, contributing to the end of U.S. involvement there.

Q: Which of the following contributed to the Nixon Administration’s decision to begin withdrawing from the conflict in Vietnam?
- The publication of the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (Incorrect. The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution authorized the President to use any means necessary to combat the North Vietnamese. It was the Resolution that effectively launched our full-scale involvement in the Vietnamese war.)
- Pressure from China and Russia for the United States to removed itself from Indochina (Incorrect. While I’m sure both China and Russia wanted the United States to distance itself from their interests in Indochina, in the interest of preserving their relationships with the US, both those countries pressured the North Vietnamese to negotiate with the United States.)
- The “hard hat” riots (Incorrect. The Hard Hat Riots were a counter-protest in response to the war’s most radical opponents and the anti-war movement.)
- Declining public approval of the war and America’s involvement there (Correct! Particularly following the publication of the Pentagon Papers, Americans became disillusioned with the war and the United States’ role there. Public pressure to withdraw continued to increase.)
A: Declining public approval of the war and America’s involvement there

Q: Which statement best describes the terms on which the United States withdrew from Vietnam?
- The United States and North Vietnam both retreated behind the line of demarcation and agreed to a ceasefire. (Incorrect. Under the terms of the agreement, the United States had 60 days to remove its troops, and the North Vietnamese could stay in areas it already occupied.)
- The United States left a small contingent of troops behind in South Vietnam to prevent further incursion by the North Vietnamese, while the remainder of American troops were withdrawn from areas controlled by the North Vietnamese. (Incorrect. The United States only left a small number of advisors and military equipment. The North Vietnamese overtook Saigon and and the South surrendered immediately following the United States’ retreat.)
- The United States facilitated a ceasefire between the North and South Vietnamese governments and then left peacekeepers in place to ensure that the North Vietnamese abided by the terms of the peace treaty. (Incorrect. The United States did facilitate a ceasefire as a part of the Paris Peace Accords – however, the ceasefire only lasted a few days before the North Vietnamese overtook Saigon, South Vietnam surrendered, and Vietnam was united under a communist government.)
- The U.S. pulled out all its troops, leaving behind only a few advisors and the North Vietnamese were allowed to keep their troops in areas they currently occupied. (Correct! This meant that the North Vietnamese had more than 100,000 troops left in South Vietnam, a perfect position from which to continue the conflict once the United States left.)
A: The U.S. pulled out all its troops, leaving behind only a few advisors and the North Vietnamese were allowed to keep their troops in areas they currently occupied.

Q: Following the chaos of the 1968 Democratic Convention, the Democratic National Convention modified the rules by which Presidential candidates were nominated and elected. What effect did these changes have on the 1972 Presidential election?
- The changes to the election process favored middle-class white voters, and further disenfranchised Black voters. (Incorrect. The changes in the Democratic National Convention led to the most diverse convention to that point.)
- The nominating process gave more power to party leaders and power brokers in the Democratic Party. (Incorrect. The changes to the Democratic National Convention reduced the influence of party leaders and party brokers.)
- The new system created the most diverse Democratic convention up to that point, and led to the nomination of Shirley Chrisholm as the Democratic Presidential nominee. (Incorrect. While the changes to the nomination process did lead to a more inclusive political environment, and Shirley Chrisholm received 156 votes, the nomination went to George McGovern.)
- The new rules made the Democratic party appear even more radicalized, and contributed to Nixon’s landslide victory. (Correct! While the changes gave greater voice to those who voted in the primary, the system favored George McGovern who ran a grass-roots campaign. His progressive platform drove away many moderate Democratic voters to the Republican party, giving Nixon a landslide victory.)
A: The new rules made the Democratic party appear even more radicalized, and contributed to Nixon’s landslide victory.

Q: Describe the outcome of the 1972 Presidential election.
- In a tightly contested race, Nixon barely beat out McGovern by mobilizing the far-right voters. (Incorrect. Nixon won in the most remarkable landslide since FDR, and he did so by appealing to moderate voters who felt the Democratic candidate was too extreme.)
- Nixon was polling far ahead of McGovern when the Watergate scandal began to unfold, and his popularity plummeted. (Incorrect. Even the unfolding news of the Nixon administration’s illegal activities did not prevent him from winning the election in a landslide.)
- Shirley Chrisholm won the Democratic nomination, but lost the Presidency to Nixon in a decisive victory. (Incorrect. George McGovern won the Democratic nomination, although Chrisholm earned a significant number of votes.)
- Richard Nixon painted McGovern as an extreme liberal candidate and won the election by a landslide. (Correct! Nixon portrayed McGovern as a candidate of “acid, amnesty, and abortion.” This drove many traditionally Democratic voters to vote for Nixon because they felt McGovern was too far left from the mainstream.)
A: Richard Nixon painted McGovern as an extreme liberal candidate and won the election by a landslide.

Q: What was the impact of George McGovern’s candidacy on the Democratic Party?
- Feedback: Correct! McGovern ran a grass-roots campaign that circumvented party leaders. The new system, created by a committee McGovern chaired, awarded delegates based on the winners of primary elections.
- His candidacy drew in middle-class, blue-collar, white voters that previously supported the Republican Party. (Incorrect. Many middle-class voters that traditionally supported the Democratic party felt that McGovern was too far left of center, and voted for Nixon instead.)
- George McGovern’s campaign demonstrated the influence of Democratic power brokers and party leaders. (Incorrect. Traditionally Democratic leaders had significant influence in selecting a presidential candidate. McGovern’s campaign circumvented those leaders, and he was elected by running a grass-roots campaign.)
- McGovern’s campaign shifted the Democratic Party more toward the political center. (Incorrect. McGovern shifted the Democratic Party further to the left, which resulted in many moderate voters choosing to vote for Nixon instead.)
- The new system he championed favored candidates who won primary elections and had grass-roots support.
A: The new system he championed favored candidates who won primary elections and had grass-roots support.

Q: What is the connection between CREEP and Nixon’s resignation?
- Nixon ordered CREEP to break into the offices at Watergate. He was later impeached when this connection was discovered. (Incorrect. Nixon was never directly implicated in ordering the break-in at Watergate. However, his attempts to go above the law in order to cover up the White House’s involvement in various illegal activities led to his impeachment and resignation.)
- CREEP was the voice activated recording system installed in the Oval Office. The President’s most intimate and damaging conversations were caught on tape, which led to his impeachment and resignation. (Incorrect. CREEP was the Committee to Re-Elect the President implicated in the Watergate break-in. There was a voice-activated system, and the recordings from that system would end up being Nixon’s downfall.)
- CREEP was the Committee to Re-elect the President. They illegally blackmailed powerful political figures in order to secure endorsements of the President. (Incorrect. CREEP did not blackmail other political figures, but rather broke into the Watergate offices and attempted to gather other intelligence on Nixon’s opponents illegally.)
- CREEP was caught illegally gathering evidence against the Democratic National Committee. Nixon’s attempts to cover up his involvement led to his resignation. (Correct! Members of the Committee to Re-Elect the President were caught breaking into the Democratic National Committee’s offices at Watergate and installing bugging equipment. While Nixon was never directly connected to the Watergate break-in, investigations revealed he had ordered other illegal intelligence gathering and he circumvented the law in his attempts to cover up the scandal. He was impeached by the House, and resigned before he could be impeached by the Senate.)
A: CREEP was caught illegally gathering evidence against the Democratic National Committee. Nixon’s attempts to cover up his involvement led to his resignation.

Q: Which statement below best describes the reason Congress began the process to impeach President Nixon in 1974.
- The break-in and burglary at the Democratic offices at Watergate. (Incorrect. The President was never directly connected to the break-in at Watergate. However, his refusal to turn over the White House tapes and his attempts to circumvent the law in the investigations that followed the Watergate scandal would lead to his impeachment.)
- The theft of Daniel Ellsberg’s files by the President’s team of “plumbers” – a group of men tasked with spying on opponents and preventing leaks to the press. (Incorrect. The “plumbers” did break into Ellsberg’s psychiatrists’ office to steal his files. However, this was not the reason that impeachment proceedings against the President were started.)
- The publication of evidence linking the White House to Watergate in the Washington Post by reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. (Incorrect. Anonymous source “Deepthroat” (later revealed to be FBI director Mark Felt) supplied the <em>Washington Post</em> with evidence that the White House had been involved in the Watergate break-in. This led to further investigations and the convictions of a number of White House staff, counsel, and aides. However, it was not the reason the House opened impeachment proceedings. The President had not yet been connected to the scandal.)
- Nixon’s attempts to circumvent the law when the White House tapes were subpoenaed. (Correct! Nixon tried to claim Executive privilege and refused to give up the tapes. He then attempted to fire Richard Cox – the special prosecutor to investigate the Watergate affair. In summary – it wasn’t the break-in, it was the cover-up.)
A: Nixon’s attempts to circumvent the law when the White House tapes were subpoenaed.

Q: Which best describes the sequence of events leading up to President Nixon’s impeachment?
- Five men are arrested inside the offices of the DNC; the White House tapes are subpoenaed on suspicion that the President is involved; the Washington Post publishes transcripts of the tapes leaked by the FBI; Nixon is impeached; Gerald Ford pardons everyone involved in the Watergate scandal. (Incorrect. The <em>Washington Post</em> never published transcripts of the White House tapes, but rather inside information that the White House had been involved in the break-in at the DNC. Gerald Ford pardoned Nixon, but other men involved in the scandal were convicted.)
- Members of the President’s staff are arrested attempting to break-into the DNC offices; the President fires the members of his administration involved in the break-in; Cox is appointed special counsel over the investigation; Nixon refuses to comply with the subpoena of the White House tapes, Alexander Butterfield leaks the transcripts of the tapes to the Washington Post revealing the President’s connection to Watergate; the House initiates impeachment proceedings against the President. (Incorrect. Alexander Butterfield’s testimony revealed that the Oval Office had voice activated recording systems. This led to the subpoena of the White House tapes. The transcripts were eventually turned over to the investigating committee – not leaked to the press.)
- The President orders CREEP to break-in to the DNC offices to plant sophisticated bugs; five men are arrested inside the Watergate offices attempted to steal intelligence; The Senate Judiciary Committee begins investigating the Watergate scandal; the committee finds that President Nixon was directly involved; President Nixon resigns before he can be impeached. (Incorrect. The President was never directly connected to the break-in at Watergate, and there was never any evidence that he ordered that particular break-in. However, he did attempt to obstruct justice in the investigation, and further evidence showed that he had been involved in ordering illegal intelligence gathering at other times. He resigned after being impeached by the House, but before he could be impeached and removed from office by the Senate.)
- Members of CREEP break into Democratic offices at Watergate; the Washington Post publishes evidence that the White House was connected; Watergate burglars are convicted; Cox subpoenas the White House tapes; the Saturday Night Massacre; the House impeaches Nixon. (Correct! Rather than giving up the White House tapes, President Nixon tried to claim executive privilege and then attempted to fire Special Counsel Robert Cox in what later became known as the Saturday Night Massacre (more than one Attorney General resigned rather than comply with Nixon’s request). The House impeached President Nixon for his attempts to obstruct justice.)
A: Members of CREEP break into Democratic offices at Watergate; the Washington Post publishes evidence that the White House was connected; Watergate burglars are convicted; Cox subpoenas the White House tapes; the Saturday Night Massacre; the House impeaches Nixon.

Q: While President Gerald Ford inherited a number of challenging issues, what did he label as the most dangerous public enemy?
- Racism (Incorrect. While racism was certainly still a significant problem, it was not a major focus of Ford’s presidency.)
- immorality (Incorrect. Many middle-class voters moved from the Democratic Party to the Republican party during Nixon’s Presidential campaigns based on what they saw as declining morals and a lack of family values represented by the Republican Party. However, Ford chose to focus more on reconciliation following the Watergate scandal and solving the country’s economic woes.)
- domestic terrorism (Incorrect. Ford saw inflation and a lack of trust in government following the Watergate scandal as some of the nation’s greatest challenges.)
- inflation (Correct! In October 1974, President Ford called inflation the most dangerous public enemy, and started a grassroots campaign to encourage citizens to save and discipline their spending in order to curb inflation.)
A: inflation

Q: What was the significance of the Helsinki Accords?
- The Helsinki Accords solidified America’s position as a world power by requiring the USSR to relinquish some of its territories. (Incorrect. The Helsinki Accords continued the United State’s policy of detente toward the USSR by accepting territorial boundaries as they existed following World War II. It served to create a balance between world powers.)
- The Helsinki Accords were a security alliance designed to protect Europe and America from further aggression like that seen in World War II. (Incorrect. The Helsinki Accords were not a security alliance, but rather an agreement to accept territorial boundaries as they existed. It was also a commitment to protecting human rights in those territories.)
- The Helsinki Accords were aimed at curtailing the manufacture of weapons capable of carrying nuclear missiles. (Incorrect. The SALT talks (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) were aimed at reducing the production of missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons.)
- The Helsinki Accords eased tension between the US, Europe, and the USSR by recognizing territorial holdings. (Correct! The Helsinki Accords essentially recognized the existing territorial boundaries established at the end of World War II. This eased tension between the world powers, but it angered many Americans of Eastern European ancestry who felt that America had abandoned their homelands to Soviet rule.)
A: The Helsinki Accords eased tension between the US, Europe, and the USSR by recognizing territorial holdings.

Q: Which of the following did President Gerald Ford prioritize in his administration?
- Seeking accountability for those involved in government corruption and scandal (Incorrect. President Ford wanted to promote healing, and he wanted the country to move on from the scandals of the previous administration. To that end, he fully pardoned President Nixon. This angered many Americans who felt that Nixon would never be held accountable for his actions, or that the public would never know the full extent of his wrongdoing.)
- Securing a decisive victory in Vietnam (Incorrect. President Ford requested and was denied funds from Congress for South Vietnam. But by the time he inherited the Presidency the withdrawal of troops from Vietnam and its subsequent fall to the communist government of North Vietnam was well underway.)
- Reduce the influence of the Soviet Union in Europe (Incorrect. Ford continued Nixon’s policy of detente toward the USSR. He chose to recognize the Soviet Union’s influence over much of Eastern Europe.)
- Stimulating the economy and curbing inflation (Correct! In an effort to combat stagflation, Ford attempted to simultaneously stimulate the economy while curbing inflation. Ultimately, his economic policies proved unsuccessful.)
A: Stimulating the economy and curbing inflation

Q: Which of the following was a domestic policy issue Jimmy Carter prioritized during his tenure as President?
- Regulating industries to lower prices for consumers (Incorrect. President Carter prioritized the deregulation of many industries in order to increase competition and lower prices for consumers.)
- Establishment of a universal National Health Insurance system (Incorrect. Senator Ted Kennedy sponsored a bill that would generate a National Health Insurance system, however, President Carter felt that the costs were too high and decided not to support the bill.)
- Repeal of affirmative action policies (Incorrect. President Carter supported affirmative action and even wrote an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court in <em>Reagents of the U.C. vs. Bakke</em> which upheld the constitutionality of affirmative action.)
- Energy conservation and the development of alternative energy sources (Correct! The high cost of fuel continued to hinder economic growth, and so President Carter prioritized addressing the energy crisis with programs incentivizing energy conservation and pushing the use of coal and other alternative energy sources.)
A: Energy conservation and the development of alternative energy sources

Q: In what way did President Carter’s foreign policy approach differ from that of his predecessor?
- He took a pragmatic approach to foreign policy based on calculated realism. (Incorrect. That was the approach taken by his predecessor – Richard Nixon. Carter valued foreign policy that lived up to American ideals and his strong sense of morality.)
- In the wake of Vietnam, he ushered in an era of isolationism for the United States. (Incorrect. During the Carter administration, American retained close alliances, advocated for peace in the Middle East, and was strongly invested in the Russian-backed conflict in Afghanistan.)
- He distanced the United States from Israel - our longtime ally in the Middle East. (Incorrect. President Carter oversaw the Camp David Accords - a historic peace treaty between Israel and Palestine.)
- He believed that foreign policy should be founded on moral principles and American values. (Correct! His foreign policy prioritized peace, human rights, and morality. Nixon and Kissenger were calculated and pragmatic in their approach to foreign policy, focusing on solutions that would benefit the United States, rather than on ideals.)
A: He believed that foreign policy should be founded on moral principles and American values.

Q: Which of the following best encapsulates the Carter Doctrine?
- The United States expected its allies to accept primary responsibility for their own military defense. (Incorrect. This is the Nixon Doctrine, and it ushered in a policy of Vietnamization – or turning over the responsibility of the war in Vietnam to the Vietnamese.)
- Domestic revolutions would no longer be considered a local matter when the objective is the establishment of a communist government. (Incorrect. This is the Johnson Doctrine, and it led to U.S. involvement in a number of South American conflicts, particularly in the Dominican Republic.)
- The United States would pay any price, bear any burden, support any friend, or oppose any foe in order to assure the survival and success of liberty. (Incorrect. This is the Kennedy Doctrine, and it led to the “us vs. them” mentality of the Cold War.)
- Any attempts to interfere with American interests in the Middle East would be considered an act of aggression and would be met with force if necessary. (Correct! In particular, the United States was seeking to deter the Soviet Union from seeking hegemony (total dominance) in the Middle East.)
A: Any attempts to interfere with American interests in the Middle East would be considered an act of aggression and would be met with force if necessary.

Q: Which of the following statements describes the impact of the Iranian hostage crisis?
- The crisis strengthened the hold of Shah Pahlavi over the people of Iran. (Incorrect. U.S. backed Shah Pahlavi was overthrown in the Iranian revolution. The administration’s decision to allow the deposed Shah to enter the U.S. for Cancer treatment further angered the Iranian people and immediately preceded the storming of the U.S. embassy in Tehran.)
- The U.S. initiated an embargo on Iranian petroleum. (Incorrect. Oil producing countries refused to sell oil to the U.S. earlier in the decade during the Arab-Israeli war, causing an oil crisis. This was not directly related to the Iranian hostage crisis.)
- Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh was overthrown in a U.S. backed coup. (Incorrect. In the 1950’s the U.S. helped royalists overthrow Prime Minister Mossadegh in a coup, giving the Shah more power. The U.S. backed coup angered the Iranian people, particularly as the Shah was a brutal leader, and so it was a contributing factor to the Iranian hostage crisis, not a result of it.)
- Americans’ confidence in the leadership of President Carter plummeted. (Correct! As Americans watched the hostage crisis unfold for 444 days and President Carter continued to be unable to secure their release, confidence in his leadership and hope in America’s future declined.)
A: Americans’ confidence in the leadership of President Carter plummeted.

Q: The attack on the U.S. embassy in Iran, and the subsequent Iranian hostage crisis was fueled by a number of U.S. foreign policy decisions. Which of the following best describes the foreign policy actions that led to the crisis in Iran?
- The United States’ decision to oppose the Soviet Union in Afghanistan (Incorrect. The U.S. did oppose the Soviet Union in Afghanistan. However, this was unconnected to the hostage crisis in Iran.)
- Facilitating a peace treaty between Israel and Palestine in the Camp David Accords (Incorrect. Many Iranians were angered by the United State’s continual support of Israel. However, the Camp David Accords did not directly contribute to the hostage crisis in Iran.)
- The U.S. oil embargo on Iranian petroleum exports (Incorrect. In the early 1970’s OPEC placed an oil embargo on U.S. imports of oil, creating a gas crisis in the United States. However, that embargo was initiated by Middle Eastern oil producers, not by the US.)
- The United States’ support of Shah Reza Pahlavi (Correct! CIA and British MI6 helped Iranian royalists overthrow the democratically elected Prime MInister in a coup in 1953, strengthening the power of Shah Pahlavi, who was friendly to the West. The U.S. continued to support the Shah by providing aid, and training his secret police. President Carter further angered Iranians by toasting the unpopular Shah, proclaiming that he was “beloved by his people.”)
A: The United States’ support of Shah Reza Pahlavi

Q: How did the Iran hostage crisis affect the Presidency of Jimmy Carter?
- Confidence in American democracy and morality was strengthened. (Incorrect. The hostage crisis contributed to feelings that American leadership couldn’t be depended on, and a loss of faith in citizens’ ability to be the shapers of democracy.)
- Negotiations between Israel and Palestine fell apart. (Incorrect. One of the rare highlights of President Carter’s foreign policy was the signing of the Camp David Accords – a historic peace treaty between Israel and Palestine.)
- Carter was perceived as a strong leader who could navigate a crisis. (Incorrect. Carter’s popularity plummeted as citizens lost faith in his leadership abilities when he failed to negotiate a release of the hostages in Iran.)
- It contributed to a growing sense of malaise. (Correct! Aside from casting doubt on the leadership of President Carter, the crisis contributed to a feeling that America’s best days were behind it, and that we were entering a period of decline.)
A: It contributed to a growing sense of malaise.

Q: “We all had a collective feeling like we'd had enough of this kind of shit. It wasn't anything tangible anybody said to anyone else, it was just kind of like everything over the years had come to a head on that one particular night in the one particular place and it was not an organized demonstration... Everyone in the crowd felt that we were never going to go back. It was like the last straw. It was time to reclaim something that had always been taken from us.... All kinds of people, all different reasons, but mostly it was total outrage, anger, sorrow, everything combined, and everything just kind of ran its course. It was the police who were doing most of the destruction. We were really trying to get back in and break free. And we felt that we had freedom at last, or freedom to at least show that we demanded freedom. We weren't going to be walking meekly in the night and letting them shove us around—it's like standing your ground for the first time and in a really strong way and that's what caught the police by surprise. There was something in the air, freedom a long time overdue and we're going to fight for it. It took different forms, but the bottom line was, we weren't going to go away. And we didn't.”

The quote above is from Michael Fader - an eyewitness to the Stonewall riots. What can we learn about the riots from his account?
- The Stonewall riots were instrumental in achieving equality for the LGBTQ population. (Incorrect. While the Stonewall riots were a turning point in the fight for gay rights, this particular quote from a firsthand account doesn’t address that.)
- The riot was led primarily by drag queens and homeless youth. (Incorrect. Other primary source accounts might share a different perspective on who was first to start fighting back against the police. In one video you watched in the module, the eyewitness gives much of the credit to the homeless gay youth. However, in this account, the observer feels like there was no real leader, but that everyone there in the bar felt it was time to take a stand.)
- The police treated the rioting gay and transgender youth with brutality. (Incorrect. Other accounts give more insight into the police’s actions. In this account he simply says that “it was the police who were doing most of the destruction.”)
- The riot was spontaneous – not an organized or planned demonstration. (Correct! Fader describes in detail the feelings and collective emotion that led many in the Stonewall bar to stand their ground and fight back against the police. From his perspective, it was a collective feeling of having enough, and deciding it was their time to take a stand. However, he is clear that none of it was planned in advance.)
A: The riot was spontaneous – not an organized or planned demonstration.

Q: Mark Seagal was a participant in the Stonewall Riots and then a founder of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF). He popularized a form of protest called the “zap” – crashing live television broadcasts such as the evening news to draw attention to the fight for gay rights. Everyone interprets history even as they are living it. Based on his life experience, what statement below best describes the significance Seagal attributed to the Stonewall riots.
- Stonewall showed that police reform should be a focus of the GLF. (Incorrect. While police brutality did occur at the Stonewall riots, Seagal saw the riots as a turning point in visibility for the LGBTQ community. A community and a movement were built out of that moment, and gays literally and metaphorically stepped out of the shadows.)
- The impact of Stonewall was minimal – it took years of hard work afterwards to achiever greater equality for gays. (Incorrect. While he would participate in many more years of activism on behalf of the gay community, Seagal felt that Stonewall was a turning point; the end of a period of invisibility for the LGBTQ community.)
- Polarized news media was responsible for the oppression of gay and transgender individuals. (Incorrect. Seagal didn’t crash live TV because he was felt that the news media was responsible, but because it was a way to shine a light on the gay rights movement. He didn’t want to be invisible anymore.)
- Stonewall marked the end of a period of “invisibility” for the LGBTQ community. (Correct! Seagal said that prior to the Stonewall riots gays were illegal and invisible in society. The riots at Stonewall Inn were the first time that he felt he could stand up as a gay man and be seen. His protests on live television were a way of stepping out of the shadows and showing the world that homosexuals are not invisible.)
A: Stonewall marked the end of a period of “invisibility” for the LGBTQ community.

Q: Based on the image above, what was one impact of the Stonewall riots?
- An increase in police brutality against the gay community (Incorrect. The police were already oppresssing the gay community, and while there continued to be clashes between gay rights activists and police, this image depicts a growing movement to fight back and stand up for gay rights.)
- A rise in anti-communist sentiment (Incorrect. The poster in the image mentions a gay caucus opposing war and fascism, which is very different than communism.)
- A government crackdown on protests and dissent (Incorrect. This image shows that protests increased, not decreased, following the Stonewall riots.)
- An increase in protests openly supporting gay liberation (Correct! Following the Stonewall riots, the gay community in Greenwhich village, as well as in other cities around the U.S. began marching publicly and proudly, for the first time. Protests and gay pride parades sprung up and Gay Liberation organizations were formed.)
A: An increase in protests openly supporting gay liberation

Q: The following are three separate accounts of the shootings at Kent State University:

The first is from Lorrie Accettola, a student at Kent State who was on the commons during the protest.

“During this brief incident, it was the only time I saw anyone throw anything at the National Guard. This particular encounter was at least 10 minutes and hundreds of feet away from where the actual shootings took place. The National Guard reformed, and headed towards Taylor Hall. When they came to the crest of the hill, approximately 30 feet from where the Iron sculpture stands, they started shooting for what I thought was no apparent reason. I was just down the hill in the parking lot at this time. I remember the sounds of the bullets flying through the air. They sizzled and hissed as they flew by my head.”

The second is from Arthur Krummel, a member of the National Guard activated at Kent State, but not present on campus during the shooting.

“The shooting had occurred, I personally couldn’t imagine shooting into a crowd of people without some real provocation. I don’t think rocks, throwing, was truly worth shooting kids. I can’t imagine shooting indiscriminately into a group. I would never condone that, but I don’t hold the kids that did that particularly guilty because a lot of situations are very tense, very scary, and the kids, in numbers, could be very scary. And, of course, you say, well we didn’t have significant training in those kind of situations. We were just kids!”

The third is from Douglas Wrentmore, one of the students shot by the National Guard.

“Then the rocks and stuff were being thrown at the national guard and tear canisters were being thrown. There could have been as many as 5-10 thousand kids just watching to see what would happen. Some of the kids would run up there and throw the tear canisters back at the guards. And more rocks were falling on the guards.”

Taking into account all three accounts from different perspectives, what conclusions can we draw about the incident at Kent State?
- The Kent State protestors were violent and out of line, and thus the retaliation by the National Guard was justified. (Incorrect. Many news sources immediately following the shooting inferred that Kent State protestors were to blame for the incident. However, reading multiple accounts makes it clear that while students were throwing some rocks and gas canisters, it was not enough to provoke a deadly retaliation.)
- The National Guard were entirely unprovoked and fired on a peaceful, legal demonstration. (Incorrect. If you were to read just one perspective, you might believe that the National Guard had absolutely no reason to retaliate against students. But when you consider multiple sources you find that while deadly force was not justified, the National Guard may have been confused and scared as well as they faced a very large, angry crowd.)
- A large crowd of students gathered on the green to protest President Nixon’s decision to bomb Cambodia. (Incorrect. It is true that a large crowd gathered to protest the war in Vietnam, but that information was not inferred from the three accounts above. They made no mention of the motivation of the students for being there.)
- The National Guardsmen were young, ill-prepared and frightened by the belligerent crowd, but deadly force was not justified. (Correct! If we had only read one account, we might be led to believe that the National Guard had nor reason for firing at all, or we might think that the students were harassing the guardsmen to a point that they feared for their lives. Reading multiple perspectives gives us a more complete and nuanced picture of the event.)
A: The National Guardsmen were young, ill-prepared and frightened by the belligerent crowd, but deadly force was not justified.

Q: We have collected accounts from a variety of individuals who witnessed the shootings at Kent State University on May 4th,1970. Arthur Krummel was a National Guardsman activated to Kent State. He had dispersed crowds around the University in the days preceding the shooting, but was not present on campus on May 4th. Chuck Ayers was a photographer and student who not only observed, but photographed the growing tension and conflict between student protestors and the National Guard on May 4th. However, he stepped into a building before the actual shooting occurred. Douglas Wrentmore was a student at Kent State University who was observing the protests, and was then shot by the National Guard. Which account would be most reliable in determining what actually happened at Kent State on May 4th?
- Arthur Krummel (Incorrect. Arthur Krummel’s perspective is necessary and important, even though he wasn’t present on campus because he has a unique view of the pressure faced by the National Guard, and their inexperience and lack of direction and instruction. However, his account is incomplete.)
- Chuck Ayers (Incorrect. Chuck Ayers had a unique and important perspective in that he observed and documented the build-up to the shooting, but his account is incomplete, especially since he stepped away and didn’t witness the actual shooting.)
- Douglas Wrentmore (Incorrect. Even though Douglas Wrentmore observed the entire protest, and was shot – making him one of the most reliable witnesses to the shooting - his account is still not complete. He doesn’t have any insight into the emotional state of the National Guard, and was limited to what he observed from his own physical and emotional vantage point. It is necessary for historians to compile multiple perspectives and accounts.)
- All of the accounts (Correct! It is impossible to compose an accurate picture with only one account. Even a reliable witness brings his or her own perspective, emphases, and biases to an account. To compose something close to a complete picture, a historian needs multiple accounts from multiple points of view.)
A: All of the accounts

Q: Lorrie Accettola, a student present at the protests and subsequent shootings at Kent State recounted this:

“As the National Guard marched down the field it looked like the demonstrators were trapped, but at the last moment, they climbed a high chain link fence and jumped down to the safety of the other side. It is important that I mention that after they safely landed on the other side of the fence, many of them threw rocks over the fence at the foolish looking National Guard. During this brief incident, it was the only time I saw anyone throw anything at the National Guard. This particular encounter was at least 10 minutes and hundreds of feet away from where the actual shootings took place.”

Keith Crilow was a National Guardsman present on the crest of Blanket Hill when the shooting started. This is his recollection:

“There was a construction project somewhere around there, there was partial bricks or parts of bricks. These people were picking up and throwing. I was, and a lot of the guys were, doing their best to make sure they weren’t gonna get hit with anything….Somebody had finally had enough of the verbal insults and all the racial slurs and everything else you could possibly think of and foul language being thrown at us, and the bricks and the whatever, that somebody just snapped, I’m gonna say.”

What is the most likely reason for the dramatic difference in these two accounts?
- Keith Crilow exaggerated the violence of the students in order to justify his actions. (Incorrect. While it is certainly possible that one or both of these individuals gave an untrue or partially true account, the more likely scenario is that they had different physical perspectives of the event.)
- Lorrie Accettola’s strong political beliefs make him an unreliable witness. (Incorrect. Everyone brings their own emotions, background, and viewpoints the way they experience and then retell an event. While we should take those into account, having strong political beliefs does not make someone an unreliable witness. It does mean that a good historian should consider multiple viewpoints, though. In this case, a more likely scenario is that Accettola and Crilow were in different places on camps and had a different view of what happened.)
- The length of time between the event and the interview. (Incorrect. While you should definitely consider how much time has elapsed since an event and an individual’s recounting of that event, both of these interviews occurred long after the shootings at Kent State, so the length of time between the event and the interview does not account for the differences in the retelling.)
- Accettola and Crilow had different physical viewpoints of the events. (Correct! Both Crilow and Accettola were present on the Kent State campus, but they were in different locations. By his admission, Accettola was hundreds of feet away from where the National Guardsmen started shooting, it would have been difficult for him to see whether or not students were throwing bricks or rocks at the Guardsmen.)
A: Accettola and Crilow had different physical viewpoints of the events.