Chapter 16: Foreign Policy since 1972

Front

What was the significance of President Nixon's visit to Communist China in 1972?

Back

it opened the way for China's entry into the United Nations and trade with the United States

Answer explanation

President Nixon's 1972 visit to Communist China was significant as it opened the way for China's entry into the United Nations and facilitated trade relations with the United States, marking a shift in international diplomacy.

Front

The cartoon below was published in May 1973. With which event was this cartoon associated? Options: Teapot Dome Scandal, Iran Hostage Crisis, Watergate Scandal, Iran-Contra Affair

Back

Watergate Scandal

Answer explanation

The cartoon from May 1973 is associated with the Watergate Scandal, a major political scandal involving President Nixon's administration, which was unfolding at that time and led to significant public outcry and investigations.

Front

What was the outcome of the meeting between foreign leaders and President Carter at Camp David in 1978?

Back

The United States persuaded Egypt and Israel to sign future peace treaty.

Answer explanation

The Camp David Accords in 1978 led to Egypt and Israel agreeing to a peace treaty, marking a significant step towards peace in the Middle East, making this the correct outcome of the meeting.

Front

The diagram below gives details about the 1970s and 1980s. Which phrase completes the diagram?

Back

Events that Weakened Public Trust in Government

Answer explanation

The 1970s and 1980s saw significant events, like Watergate and the Vietnam War, that eroded public trust in government. Thus, the phrase 'Events that Weakened Public Trust in Government' accurately completes the diagram.

Front

What was the primary cause of the shortage shown in the photograph of a newspaper headline stating, "Gas Rationing Set Monday"? Options: a war in Afghanistan had cut oil supplies from Central Asia, the Mexican government had nationalized its petroleum industry, Iran had halted its oil exports after the former Shah was admitted into America.

Back

Arab members of OPEC had placed an oil embargo on the United States

Answer explanation

The primary cause of the shortage was the oil embargo imposed by Arab members of OPEC on the United States, which led to significant fuel shortages and the need for gas rationing.

Front

What was an important result of the Persian Gulf War of 1990?

Back

Kuwait was freed from occupation by Iraq.

Answer explanation

The Persian Gulf War of 1990 resulted in Kuwait being freed from Iraqi occupation, restoring its sovereignty. This was a key outcome of the coalition forces' military intervention.

Front

Why did President Clinton propose cuts in defense spending in the 1990s? Options: The SALT treaty had made it necessary to possess nuclear arms, The Communist government of the former Soviet Union had collapsed, The U. N. Security Council had taken over America's peacekeeping duties, Rising health care costs had taken funds normally used by the military

Back

The Communist government of the former Soviet Union had collapsed

Answer explanation

President Clinton proposed cuts in defense spending because the collapse of the Communist government in the former Soviet Union reduced the perceived threat, making large military expenditures less necessary.

Front

What step did Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev take in reaction to President Reagan's 1983 Strategic Defense Initiative?

Back

entering into talks with President Reagan to reduce armaments

Answer explanation

In response to Reagan's 1983 Strategic Defense Initiative, Gorbachev sought to reduce tensions by entering into talks with Reagan to negotiate arms reduction, marking a shift towards diplomacy in U.S.-Soviet relations.

Front

How were the attacks on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and on the World Trade Center in 2001 similar?

Back

Both caused Americans to enter into armed conflicts.

Answer explanation

Both attacks led to significant loss of life and prompted the U.S. to enter armed conflicts: World War II after Pearl Harbor and the War on Terror following 9/11, marking a shift in American military engagement.

Front

Why do American leaders continue to play a major role in negotiating an Israeli-Palestinian settlement?

Back

They think this would promote greater stability in the Middle East.

Answer explanation

American leaders believe that negotiating an Israeli-Palestinian settlement would promote greater stability in the Middle East, which is crucial for regional peace and security.