Exploring American Imperialism Through Zinn's Perspective

Howard Zinn discusses the concept of the American Empire, tracing its roots from post-World War II actions to modern-day interventions. He reflects on historical events like the Vietnam War and the US's global military presence, questioning the moral justifications of these actions. Zinn challenges the traditional narrative of US history, highlighting the imperialistic motives behind American foreign policy and its consequences on global politics.

What event made the author start questioning the purity of the 'good war'?

• The Korean War

• The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

• The Vietnam War

• The invasion of Iraq

How was the American expansion across the continent presented in history textbooks?

• As a series of violent interventions

• As a natural and almost biological phenomenon

• As a quest for resources

• As a peaceful negotiation

What term was used to describe the aggressive war against Mexico in 1846?

• Mexican Cession

• Manifest Destiny

• Imperialism

• Western Expansion

What was the United States' primary motive in intervening in Korea according to the author?

• To test new military strategies

• To protect South Korea

• To gain a foothold in Asia

• To stop the spread of communism

What did the secret memos from the National Security Council reveal about US interests in Southeast Asia?

• A desire to spread democracy

• A quest for resources like tin, rubber, and oil

• A need to protect allies

• A plan to establish military bases

What was a significant factor in the opposition to the Vietnam War?

• Understanding that the war was part of a larger imperial design

• The brutality of the war

• The draft

• Economic costs

What event did George Bush Senior use to justify moving US power into the Middle East?

• The 9/11 attacks

• The Korean War

• The fall of the Soviet Union

• The invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein

What did the 9/11 Commission acknowledge as a reason for the attacks?

• US expansion in the Middle East

• Religious differences

• Economic sanctions

• Military presence in Europe

What did the author realize about the motives of soldiers versus political leaders?

• Soldiers are motivated by personal gain

• They are always aligned

• There is a difference between the two

• Political leaders have no motives

What does the author suggest we should expand instead of military power?

• Our humanity

• Territorial boundaries

• Economic influence

• Technological advancements