Free AP US History Period 8 (1945–1980) Question and Answers

Question 1

During the Cold War, what position did the US take toward the USSR?

Accepted Answer

The US used political, diplomatic, and economic tools to try and contain the USSR.

Answer

The US decided to launch a direct invasion of the USSR to destroy communism once and for all.

Answer

The US sent money and technology directly to Soviet citizens to convince them communism was inferior.

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The US did nothing because we were shocked by the carnage of World War II and reverted to isolationism.

Question 2

Which of the following assertions most accurately sums up the US-USSR relationship throughout the Cold War?

Accepted Answer

The US and USSR fluctuated between periods of indirect conflict and mutual coexistence.

Answer

The US and USSR were completely sealed off from each other and had no contact at all during the Cold War.

Answer

The US and USSR were always engaged in a fierce military and political rivalry.

Answer

The US and USSR maintained a façade that upheld the friendship of their alliance during World War II.

Question 3

What part did decolonization play, if any, in the Cold War?

Accepted Answer

Decolonization led to a struggle in former colonies between the US and USSR.

Answer

Decolonization exclusively benefitted the USSR because they occupied many former colonies in an effort to prevent American influence.

Answer

It played no role during the Cold War because all former colonies joined the non-aligned conference.

Answer

Decolonization exclusively benefitted the US because countries had to ban communism in exchange for independence.

Question 4

Which of the following best sums up how the general public feels about the Vietnam War?

Accepted Answer

Initially supportive, Americans began to turn against the Vietnam War in growing numbers during the late 1960s.

Answer

Americans overwhelming opposed the Vietnam War when advisors were first deployed in the 1950s.

Answer

Americans were largely apathetic about the Vietnam War.

Answer

Americans overwhelming supported the Vietnam War until troops were withdrawn in 1973.

Question 5

What consequences, if any, did the Watergate inquiry have on the powers of the executive branch?

Accepted Answer

Watergate helped curtail presidential authority.

Answer

Watergate restored faith in the White House.

Answer

None — Watergate did not influence executive authority.

Answer

Watergate led to a permanent expansion of presidential authority.

Question 6

How unified of a movement was the civil rights phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Civil rights activists disagreed over the role of non-violent protests.

Answer

Civil rights activists agreed on little besides the need to exact revenge upon Caucasians.

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Civil rights activists agreed on little besides the essential importance of non-violence.

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Civil rights activists completely agreed on all matters.

Question 7

Which of the following DID NOT rank as a top 1960s feminist issue:

Accepted Answer

Advocacy of misandry

Answer

Reducing sexual violence

Answer

Greater economic equality

Answer

Greater access to reproductive rights