Quiz on the Atomic Bomb and U.S.-Soviet Relations

What was the primary reason some historians believe Truman dropped the atomic bomb?

• To end the war with Japan quickly

• To retaliate for Pearl Harbor

• To influence the Soviet Union

• To demonstrate military power to Europe

What event in February 1945 influenced U.S. relations with the Soviet Union?

• The Yalta Conference

• The Potsdam Conference

• The Trinity Test

• The bombing of Hiroshima

What did Roosevelt hope to gain from Soviet participation in the war against Japan?

• Territorial concessions in Europe

• A swift conclusion to the war

• Support for the United Nations

• Access to Japanese resources

How did the successful testing of the atomic bomb in July 1945 affect U.S. leaders' views?

• They wanted to share it with the Soviets

• They sought to negotiate peace with Japan

• They decided to delay the Potsdam Conference

• They believed the war could end before Soviet involvement

What was Truman's attitude towards the Soviet Union compared to Roosevelt's?

• More secretive

• More indifferent

• More aggressive

• More cooperative

What did Secretary of War Henry Stimson express concern about in his diary?

• The effectiveness of the atomic bomb

• The potential for a Soviet attack on the U.S.

• The timing of meeting with Stalin

• The need for a strong military presence in Japan

What did Truman inform Stalin about at the Potsdam Conference?

• The U.S. was withdrawing from Europe

• The U.S. would share atomic research with the Soviets

• The U.S. had a new weapon of unusual destructive force

• The U.S. was ready to negotiate peace with Japan

What was Stalin's reaction to Truman's announcement about the atomic bomb?

• He was surprised and concerned

• He was indifferent and hoped for its use against Japan

• He demanded more information

• He threatened military action

What was a significant consequence of U.S. possession of the atomic bomb?

• Increased tensions with the Soviet Union

• A stronger alliance with Britain

• A reduction in military spending

• Improved relations with Japan

What did the U.S. refuse to share with the Soviets after World War II?

• Intelligence on Japan

• Economic aid packages

• Details of the atomic bomb

• Military bases in Europe