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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapters 19-20.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did the Americans back down on demands for reform in Vietnam in 1962, in Halberstam's account?
(a) Reforms had already been accomplished.
(b) Diem could not afford reforms.
(c) They lost confidence that reforms could be implemented.
(d) Diem had begun to renege on his promises.

2. Why didn't Kennedy offer the position of Secretary of State to McGeorge Bundy?
(a) Bundy did not have the support of the Jews.
(b) Bundy was a Republican and too young.
(c) Bundy was too old and conservative.
(d) Bundy had a reputation for saying damaging things off the cuff.

3. How does Halberstam say the U.S. spun the Gulf of Tonkin incident?
(a) They said that the offensive was completely unexpected.
(b) They said that the U.S. ship had been attacked.
(c) They said that the U.S. plane was in international airspace.
(d) They said that the use of napalm was necessary now.

4. What pressure does Halberstam say the events of September and October of 1963 relieved for Kennedy?
(a) He no longer felt the need to prove himself to Kruschev.
(b) He no longer felt the political pressure to deliver a victory.
(c) He felt like he was finally hitting his stride in the presidency.
(d) He was relieved of budgetary pressure.

5. What had McNamara done by the time he took over as Secretary of Defense?
(a) Consulted with Kennedy about his goals and methods.
(b) Instituted successful reforms at Ford.
(c) Reviewed American foreign policy.
(d) Studied and identified the problems at the Pentagon.

Short Answer Questions

1. When does Halberstam say that McNamara realized he had been misled about the conditions in Vietnam?

2. What does Halberstam say happened to Diem and Nhu after they fled?

3. What had Robert Lovett been before entering government?

4. How many troops were in Vietnam when Kennedy was assassinated?

5. What did Robert Lovett represent for Kennedy?

(see the answer key)

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