1970's-1990's Mastering TEKS

“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind. “

Neil Armstrong made this statement in 1969 when he became the first human to walk on the moon. What was the significance of this event in U.S. history?

• It proved that humans could one day travel to other planets in space.

• It demonstrated U.S. superiority over the Soviet Union in the space race.

• It showed that U.S. space capsules were faster than the Soviet Sputnik satellites.

• It led to the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

What historic step did President Nixon take in normalizing relations with China?

• He recognized Taiwan as the legitimate Chinese government.

• He refused to recognize the Communists as the legitimate rulers.

• He signed the first treaty with China to limit nuclear weapons.

• He visited China and met with its leader Mao Zedong.

“We must understand that détente is not a love fest. It is an understanding between nations that have opposite purposes, but which share common interests, including the avoidance of a nuclear war. Such an understanding can work—that is, restrain aggression and deter war—only as long as the potential aggressor is made to recognize that neither aggression nor war will be profitable.” —Richard M. Nixon, quoted in The Limits of Power, 1992

What was the primary goal of the Nixon administration’s policy of détente?

• to contain Communism by ending wars and making peace profitable

• to ease tensions by building a better relationship between nations

• to promote common interests through cultural exchanges

• to punish nations who engage in aggression and war

What historic event happened as a result of President Nixon’s policy of détente with China?

• China and the United States signed the first Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT I).

• Relations between superpowers China and the Soviet Union also eased.

• The Soviet Union proposed a U.S.-Soviet summit in Moscow.

• The Chinese agreed to address human rights issues in their country.

Why did President Reagan adopt supply-side economics to restore the economy?

• He believed that raising interest rates would combat high inflation and control the deficit.

• He believed that cutting taxes would provide money for businesses and job growth.

• He believed that tightening government regulations would control oil and gasoline costs.

• He believed that increasing social programs would boost the wealth of middle-class Americans.

“General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe … tear down this wall!” —President Reagan at the Brandenburg Gate of the Berlin Wall

This quote by Ronald Reagan describes his use of which foreign policy in dealing with the Soviet Union?

• détente

• perestroika

• mutual assured destruction

• peace through strength

What role did energy play in the U.S. involvement in the coalition of Allied troops in the Persian Gulf War?

• The United States feared that Iraq’s ultimate goal was to capture Saudi Arabia and its vast oil reserves.

• The United States wanted to invade Iraq and take control of its major oil fields.

• The United States agreed to protect the oil reserves in the neutral countries of Iran and Jordan.

• The United States hoped to persuade Kuwait to export more oil in exchange for their military aid.

What effect did the oil embargo of 1973 have on the American economy?

• It led to a reduction in gasoline prices

• It pumped extra money into the U.S. economy

• It caused an increase in oil exports.

• It contributed to an economic recession.

How did the accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear facility in 1979 impact the American public’s views on energy?

• It supported the public’s view that nuclear energy is a clean and less expensive alternative to fossil fuels.

• It increased the public’s concerns about nuclear energy as a safe alternative to fossil fuels.

• It led to the public’s demand for the shutdown of nuclear facilities across America.

• It eased the public’s worries about nuclear energy because only low levels of radiation had escaped.

What was the significance of U.S. involvement in the Camp David Accords in 1978?

• President Jimmy Carter signed the treaty, forming a three-way alliance between the United States, Egypt, and Israel.

• President Jimmy Carter helped to broker the historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.

• President Jimmy Carter brought peace to the Middle East through agreements with all Arab nations.

• President Jimmy Carter convinced all Arab nations to support the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.