The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made: Acheson, Bohlen,... Quiz

Take our free The Wise Men quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

Why was General MacArthur fired according to Isaacson? (from Chapters 18-19)

Because MacArthur's belligerence had become a threat to world peace.

MacArthur made statements criticizing China's strength and suggesting Chiang Kai-shek could open a second front against China with an invasion on the mainland.

Because MacArthur was seen as unable to lead with the changes in technology and the enemy at hand.

Because MacArthur's popularity within the U.S. was a threat to the Administration's efforts to control the direction of the war in Korea.

What does Isaacson report a member of the Nixon Administration claimed to be Nixon's views of the old foreign policy establishment? (from Chapter 24)

Nixon was "suspicious and distrusting" of it.

Nixon was "ambivalent" to it.

Nixon both "revered and despised" it.

Nixon "respected and sought after" it.

How does Isaacson report that Clark Clifford understood the rivalry between the U.S. and the Soviet Union had to be framed to make the general public support confronting the Communists? (from Chapters 13-14)

Clifford understood the rivalry had, "...to be framed as a contest between the forces of darkness and light."

Clifford understood the rivalry had, "...to be framed as a personal cause of free American talent overcoming international slavery."

Clifford understood the rivalry had, "...to be framed as a potential threat to the freedom and security of every individual in the country."

Clifford understood the rivalry had, "...to be framed as fearfully as possible to cajole the general public to put unquestioning support for the wisdom of its government."

What does Isaacson suggest was a practical challenge that Truman faced when he began his presidency? (from Chapters 9-10)

Truman, as vice president, had not been part of any post-war planning meetings nor had he been given any military secrets, such as the existence of the atomic bomb.

He was not well versed in foreign policy.

Some people were not aware that he was the Vice President.

Truman was replacing Roosevelt who had become identifiable with the presidency.

How does Isaacson claim Joseph Stalin's temperament changed between Harriman's first and second meetings? (from Chapter 8)

In the first meeting Stalin was panicked and demanding, but in the second meeting Stalin was calm and reasonable.

In the first meeting Stalin was aloof and disinterested, in the second meeting he was eager and cooperative.

In the first meeting Stalin was scheming and evasive, in the second meeting he was congenial and open.

In the first meeting Stalin was candid and friendly, but in the second meeting he was confrontational, accusing and paranoid.