Great Society STAAR Review

What was the primary focus of John F. Kennedy's New Frontier?

• Expanding the space program, spreading democracy, fighting communism, and advancing civil rights

• Increasing military presence in Europe

• Reducing taxes and government spending

• Establishing trade agreements with Asia

Answer explanation

John F. Kennedy's New Frontier aimed to address various issues, including expanding the space program, promoting civil rights, and combating communism, making the first answer choice the most comprehensive and correct.

Which event was a major foreign policy embarrassment for Kennedy?

• Berlin Wall construction

• Bay of Pigs Invasion

• Cuban Missile Crisis

• Peace Corps establishment

Answer explanation

The Bay of Pigs Invasion was a failed military invasion of Cuba by U.S. forces in 1961, which embarrassed President Kennedy and damaged U.S. credibility in the Cold War, making it a significant foreign policy blunder.

What was the purpose of the Alliance for Progress initiated by Kennedy?

• To provide economic aid to Latin America to prevent the spread of communism

• To develop nuclear weapons in collaboration with allies

• To establish a military alliance with European countries

• To promote cultural exchange programs with Asia

Answer explanation

The Alliance for Progress aimed to provide economic aid to Latin America, addressing poverty and inequality to counter the influence of communism, making this the correct choice.

What was the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

• The U.S. launched a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union

• The U.S. invaded Cuba and overthrew Fidel Castro

• The Soviets removed missiles from Cuba, and the U.S. removed missiles from Turkey

• The U.S. established a military base in Cuba

Answer explanation

The Cuban Missile Crisis ended with the Soviets agreeing to remove their missiles from Cuba in exchange for the U.S. removing its missiles from Turkey, thus avoiding direct military conflict.

Which program was established by JFK to assist developing nations and spread American culture?

• Peace Corps

• Great Society

• NASA

• Alliance for Progress

Answer explanation

The Peace Corps was established by JFK in 1961 to promote peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to assist developing nations, thereby also spreading American culture.

Who were the first men to walk on the moon?

• John Glenn and Yuri Gagarin

• Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin

• Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom

• Michael Collins and John Young

Answer explanation

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first men to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, making history as they stepped onto the lunar surface.

Which technological innovation from the Space Race is used in modern GPS systems?

• Heat shields

• Tempur-Pedic foam mattresses

• Wireless headsets

• Global Positioning Satellites

Answer explanation

Global Positioning Satellites, developed during the Space Race, are crucial for modern GPS systems, enabling accurate location tracking and navigation worldwide.

What was the main goal of Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society?

• To reduce taxes and government spending

• To increase military presence in Vietnam

• To establish trade agreements with Europe

• To increase civil rights, fight poverty, and expand access to healthcare

Answer explanation

The main goal of Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society was to increase civil rights, fight poverty, and expand access to healthcare, aiming to create a more equitable society and improve the quality of life for all Americans.

Which act provided healthcare for the elderly under the Great Society programs?

• Medicare

• Social Security Act

• Food Stamp Act

• Medicaid

Answer explanation

Medicare is the act that specifically provides healthcare for the elderly, making it a key component of the Great Society programs initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

What was the impact of Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring'?

• It resulted in the construction of the Berlin Wall

• It initiated the Space Race

• It led to the establishment of the Peace Corps

• It sparked the modern environmental movement

Answer explanation

Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' raised awareness about the dangers of pesticides, leading to a significant shift in public perception and policy, ultimately sparking the modern environmental movement.