Chapter 16: Foreign Policy since 1972

SS.912.A.6.13 What was the significance of President Nixon's visit to Communist China in 1972

• it led to the reunification of Taiwan with Communist China

• it persuaded Chinese leaders to introduce capitalism into the marketplace

• it showed that the Cold War between the "Free World" and Communism was over

• 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.

SS.912.A.7.10 The cartoon below was published in May 1973 With which event was this cartoon associated

• Teapot Dome Scandal

• Iran Hostage Crisis

• Watergate Scandal

• Iran-Contra Affair

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.

SS.912.A.7.11 The photograph below shows foreign leaders meeting with President Carter at Camp David in 1978 What was the outcome of this meeting

• The United States and its allies halted grain sales to the Soviet Union

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

• The United States signed a treaty promising the return of the Panama Canal Zone

• The United States successfully rescued hostages held by Iranian students in Tehran

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.

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

• Efforts to Reduce Presidential Power

• Events that Weakened Public Trust in Government

• Clashes between the Executive and Legislative Branches

• Disagreements between the Supreme Court and the President

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.

The photograph below shows a newspaper being read at a gasoline service center in January 1974. Its headline states, " Gas Rationing Set Monday" What was the primary cause of the shortage shown in the photograph

• a war in Afghanistan had cut oil supplies from Central Asia

• the Mexican government had nationalized its petroleum industry

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

• Iran had halted its oil exports after the former Shah was admitted into America

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.

SS.912.A.7.11 What was an important result of the Persian Gulf War of 1990

• Kuwait was freed from occupation by Iraq

• Relations between Israel and Iran improved

• Kurdish rebels gained independence from Iraq

• Saddam Hussein war removed from power in 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.

SS.912.A.7.12 Why did President Clinton propose cuts in defense spending in the 1990s

• The SALT treaty had made it necessary to posses 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

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.

SS.912.A.7.12 What step did Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev take in reaction to President Reagan's 1983 Strategic Defense Initiative

• ending the system of apartheid in South Africa

• placing intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Cuba

• providing Soviet support to Communist China against Taiwan

• 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.

SS.912.A.7.15 How were the attacks on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and on the World Trade Center in 2001 similar

• Both resulted in global economic depressions

• Both caused Americans to enter into armed conflicts

• Both led to military conscription of adult American men

• Both convinced American voters to retreat into isolationism

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.

SS.912.A.7.12 Why do American leaders continue to play a major role in negotiating an Israeli-Palestinian settlement

• they believe Israel may have hidden oil reserves

• they want to prevent Israel from obtaining nuclear weapons

• they fear possible extermination of the Palestinian community

• they thing 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.