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In early 1950, President Truman declared that the United States would not actively intervene in China's civil war.
Answer: False
Explanation: President Truman's policy in early 1950 was one of non-intervention, explicitly stating the US would not intervene militarily in China's civil conflict.
The outbreak of the Korean War prompted the United States to reverse its policy and resume military aid to the Republic of China.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to ceasing aid, the commencement of the Korean War led the United States to resume and increase military aid to the Republic of China.
President Truman ordered the Seventh Fleet to protect Taiwan from attack in June 1950.
Answer: True
Explanation: In response to escalating tensions, President Truman directed the Seventh Fleet into the Taiwan Strait in June 1950 to safeguard Taiwan from potential attack.
President Eisenhower's administration initially rescinded, rather than maintained, the Seventh Fleet's blockade of Taiwan.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon taking office, President Eisenhower lifted the Seventh Fleet's blockade of Taiwan, signaling a shift in US policy.
The United States supported the ROC government primarily to counter Soviet influence in Asia.
Answer: True
Explanation: A significant strategic rationale for U.S. support of the ROC government was its role in the broader containment policy against Soviet influence and communist expansion in Asia.
What event caused the United States to reverse its initial policy of non-intervention in China's civil war in 1950?
Answer: The outbreak of the Korean War.
Explanation: The commencement of the Korean War in 1950 prompted a significant shift in U.S. policy, leading to intervention and support for the Republic of China.
Which action did President Eisenhower take regarding Taiwan shortly after taking office?
Answer: He lifted the Seventh Fleet's blockade of Taiwan.
Explanation: President Eisenhower rescinded the Seventh Fleet's blockade of Taiwan early in his administration, altering the U.S. posture.
What was the stated reason for the US deploying the Seventh Fleet into the Taiwan Strait in June 1950?
Answer: To prevent a communist attack on Taiwan and protect Pacific security.
Explanation: The deployment of the Seventh Fleet was officially stated as a measure to prevent a communist assault on Taiwan and to maintain security in the Pacific region.
The First Taiwan Strait Crisis occurred between September 1954 and May 1955.
Answer: True
Explanation: The temporal scope of the First Taiwan Strait Crisis is documented as spanning from September 1954 to May 1955.
The First Taiwan Strait Crisis commenced with the People's Republic of China initiating heavy bombardment of Kinmen island.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historical accounts indicate that the People's Republic of China, not the Republic of China, initiated the heavy bombardment of Kinmen island, marking the beginning of the crisis.
A civilian airliner belonging to Cathay Pacific Airways was accidentally shot down by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in July 1954.
Answer: False
Explanation: The civilian airliner shot down in July 1954 belonged to Cathay Pacific Airways, not Pan Am.
Following the airliner shootdown, the US Navy shot down two PLAAF fighter aircraft.
Answer: True
Explanation: In response to the accidental downing of the Cathay Pacific airliner, U.S. naval aircraft engaged and shot down two PLAAF fighter planes.
The bombardment of Kinmen island on September 3, 1954, resulted in the deaths of two American military advisors.
Answer: True
Explanation: The heavy artillery bombardment of Kinmen island on September 3, 1954, tragically resulted in the fatalities of two American military advisors.
The PRC bombed the Tachen Islands in November 1954.
Answer: True
Explanation: In November 1954, the People's Republic of China conducted bombing operations against the Tachen Islands.
The PLA seized the Yijiangshan Islands in January 1955, though the source does not attribute a delay to Soviet pressure.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the PLA seized the Yijiangshan Islands in January 1955, the provided source material does not indicate that Soviet pressure caused a delay in this action.
The U.S. Navy assisted the Nationalist forces in evacuating the Tachen Islands in February 1955.
Answer: False
Explanation: The U.S. Navy's assistance in evacuation in February 1955 was for the Tachen Islands, not the Matsu Islands.
The People's Liberation Army ceased shelling Kinmen and Matsu on May 1, 1955.
Answer: True
Explanation: The cessation of shelling on Kinmen and Matsu by the People's Liberation Army occurred on May 1, 1955.
The 'Tuapse Incident' involved the capture of a tanker, which subsequently led to increased shipping insurance rates.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the Tuapse Incident involved the capture of a tanker and led to increased shipping rates, the question's assertion is marked as false, implying a nuance not fully captured or a mischaracterization in the original statement.
The Battle of the Yijiangshan Islands resulted in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) seizing control, not the ROC forces retaining it.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of the Yijiangshan Islands concluded with the PRC's PLA forces capturing the islands.
What was the significance of the PRC's accidental downing of a Cathay Pacific airliner in July 1954?
Answer: It led to a US naval response, including shooting down PLAAF aircraft.
Explanation: The accidental downing of the Cathay Pacific airliner by the PLAAF resulted in a U.S. naval response that included engaging and shooting down PLAAF fighter aircraft.
What was the effect of the 'Tuapse Incident' on shipping in the South China Sea?
Answer: It deterred international liners from reaching Singapore or forced them to alter their plans.
Explanation: The Tuapse Incident contributed to increased shipping insurance rates, causing international liners to alter their routes or avoid reaching Singapore.
Which of the following statements accurately describes the PRC's actions regarding the Tachen Islands in November 1954?
Answer: The PRC conducted bombing operations against the islands.
Explanation: In November 1954, the People's Republic of China engaged in bombing operations targeting the Tachen Islands.
Why did the US Navy assist in the evacuation of the Tachen Islands in February 1955?
Answer: To prevent the PRC from capturing ROC personnel and civilians.
Explanation: The U.S. Navy's involvement in the February 1955 evacuation of the Tachen Islands was to ensure the safe removal of ROC personnel and civilians, preventing their capture by the PRC.
What was the outcome of the Battle of the Yijiangshan Islands in January 1955?
Answer: The PRC seized control of the islands after a two-day battle.
Explanation: The Battle of the Yijiangshan Islands, concluding on January 19, 1955, resulted in the People's Liberation Army successfully capturing the islands.
The Treaty of San Francisco (1951) clearly designated the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the successor state to which Taiwan's sovereignty was transferred after World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Treaty of San Francisco ceded Taiwan's sovereignty but did not specify a recipient, leaving its post-war status ambiguous, and notably excluded both the PRC and ROC from negotiations.
PRC Premier Zhou Enlai declared in August 1954 that Taiwan must be 'liberated' and dispatched forces to the Taiwan Strait.
Answer: False
Explanation: Premier Zhou Enlai's declaration in August 1954 asserted that Taiwan must be 'liberated,' signaling an intent to take control, not to maintain ROC control.
The Formosa Resolution of 1955 authorized the use of U.S. forces to defend the Republic of China (ROC) and its territories from armed attack.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Formosa Resolution explicitly authorized the President to employ U.S. armed forces for the defense of the ROC and its island possessions, not the PRC.
The Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty explicitly excluded the Republic of China (ROC)-held islands located off the mainland coast.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Sino-American Mutual Defense Treaty did not extend its coverage to the ROC-held islands situated along the Chinese mainland coast.
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill cautioned against, rather than supported, the U.S. use of nuclear weapons during the crisis.
Answer: False
Explanation: Winston Churchill issued a warning to the United States against employing nuclear weapons during the tense period of the crisis.
NATO foreign ministers issued a warning against, rather than encouraged, President Eisenhower's potential use of nuclear weapons.
Answer: False
Explanation: During a meeting of the alliance, NATO foreign ministers collectively issued a warning against the potential use of nuclear weapons by the United States.
The Bandung Conference in April 1955 saw Zhou Enlai express willingness to negotiate with the US to ease tensions.
Answer: True
Explanation: At the Bandung Conference in April 1955, PRC Premier Zhou Enlai articulated principles for peaceful coexistence and expressed a readiness to negotiate with the United States to de-escalate tensions.
Ambassadorial-level discussions between the United States and the People's Republic of China commenced in Geneva on August 1, 1955.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ambassadorial-level talks between the US and PRC began in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 1, 1955.
The ambassadorial-level negotiations between the United States and the People's Republic of China, which commenced in 1955, failed to reach a prompt agreement on Taiwan's status.
Answer: False
Explanation: Despite lasting for two years, the US-China negotiations initiated in 1955 did not achieve a resolution regarding Taiwan's status.
The Formosa Resolution of 1955 aimed to authorize President Eisenhower to use U.S. forces to defend the Republic of China (ROC), not the PRC.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Formosa Resolution was enacted to authorize the use of U.S. forces for the defense of the ROC and its territories, not the PRC.
The Bandung Conference led to a de-escalation of tensions, as Zhou Enlai expressed willingness to negotiate.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bandung Conference marked a de-escalation, with Zhou Enlai signaling openness to negotiation, contrary to an escalation of tensions.
What declaration did PRC Premier Zhou Enlai make in August 1954 that escalated tensions?
Answer: Taiwan must be 'liberated' and dispatched the PLA to the Strait.
Explanation: Premier Zhou Enlai's August 1954 declaration that Taiwan must be 'liberated' and his dispatch of the PLA to the Strait significantly escalated tensions.
What was the primary purpose of the Formosa Resolution of 1955?
Answer: To authorize President Eisenhower to use US forces to defend Taiwan and its possessions.
Explanation: The Formosa Resolution of 1955 granted President Eisenhower the authority to deploy U.S. forces to defend Taiwan and its associated islands from armed aggression.
What was the outcome of the ambassadorial-level discussions between the US and China that began in August 1955?
Answer: They failed to reach an agreement on Taiwan's status despite lasting two years.
Explanation: The ambassadorial-level discussions between the U.S. and China, initiated in August 1955, spanned two years but ultimately did not result in an agreement on Taiwan's political status.
How did NATO foreign ministers react to President Eisenhower's potential use of nuclear weapons?
Answer: They issued a warning against such actions.
Explanation: NATO foreign ministers expressed concern and issued a warning regarding President Eisenhower's contemplation of using nuclear weapons during the crisis.
What was the PRC's stated intention regarding Taiwan, declared by Zhou Enlai in August 1954?
Answer: That Taiwan must be 'liberated'.
Explanation: In August 1954, PRC Premier Zhou Enlai declared that the objective was the 'liberation' of Taiwan.
Mao Zedong instructed the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to avoid actively engaging American forces encountered during the conflict.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mao Zedong's directive was to avoid direct engagement with American forces to prevent broader conflict escalation.
President Eisenhower threatened to use nuclear weapons, not conventional weapons, against mainland China during the crisis.
Answer: False
Explanation: President Eisenhower's strategic threats during the crisis involved the potential use of nuclear weapons against mainland China.
In September 1954, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended the use of nuclear weapons, not conventional artillery, against mainland China.
Answer: False
Explanation: The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff recommended the employment of nuclear weapons against mainland China in September 1954.
U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles publicly stated the US was considering a nuclear strike against the PRC in March 1955.
Answer: True
Explanation: In March 1955, U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles publicly indicated that the United States was contemplating the use of nuclear strikes against the People's Republic of China.
U.S. Admiral Robert B. Carney stated in late March 1955 that Eisenhower planned to 'destroy Red China's military potential,' not negotiate a peace settlement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Admiral Carney's statement indicated President Eisenhower's intent to degrade the PRC's military capabilities, rather than pursue immediate negotiation of a peace settlement.
Mao Zedong stated in May 1955 that issues such as Taiwan's status could be resolved through negotiation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mao Zedong indicated in May 1955 that negotiation was a viable path for resolving issues, including the status of Taiwan.
Scholars hypothesize that the PRC's de-escalation was influenced by the Soviet Union's *unwillingness* to provide nuclear support, not due to actual support.
Answer: False
Explanation: One scholarly hypothesis suggests that the PRC's de-escalation may have been influenced by the Soviet Union's lack of commitment to provide nuclear retaliation, rather than actual support.
Some scholars interpret the First Taiwan Strait Crisis as an instance of effective U.S. deterrence.
Answer: False
Explanation: Certain scholarly analyses view the resolution of the First Taiwan Strait Crisis as evidence of the successful application of extended deterrence by the United States.
Eisenhower's nuclear threats prompted Mao Zedong to initiate China's nuclear weapons program.
Answer: True
Explanation: The nuclear threats issued by President Eisenhower during the crisis are considered a catalyst for Mao Zedong's decision to initiate China's nuclear weapons program.
China conducted its first nuclear weapons test in 1964.
Answer: True
Explanation: The People's Republic of China successfully conducted its inaugural nuclear weapons test in the year 1964.
What was Mao Zedong's specific instruction regarding engagement with US forces during the crisis?
Answer: To avoid engaging American forces to prevent direct conflict.
Explanation: Mao Zedong's directive emphasized avoiding direct engagement with U.S. forces to prevent the escalation of the conflict into a broader confrontation.
What was the long-term consequence for China resulting from President Eisenhower's nuclear threats during the crisis?
Answer: Mao Zedong initiated China's nuclear weapons program.
Explanation: President Eisenhower's nuclear threats are widely considered a significant factor that spurred Mao Zedong to initiate China's development of nuclear weapons.
What did U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles publicly state in March 1955 regarding the crisis?
Answer: The US was considering a nuclear strike against the PRC.
Explanation: U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles publicly announced in March 1955 that the United States was actively considering the possibility of a nuclear strike against the People's Republic of China.
The First Taiwan Strait Crisis, also known as the Formosa Crisis, was an armed conflict primarily between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC), with the United States providing support.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates the primary belligerents were the PRC and the ROC, with the United States acting as a supporter of the ROC, rather than a primary combatant against the PRC.
The conflict primarily centered on islands held by the Republic of China that were situated geographically proximate to the Chinese mainland.
Answer: False
Explanation: The conflict focused on islands such as Kinmen and Matsu, which are located just off the coast of mainland China, not far from it.
Kinmen (Quemoy) and the Matsu Islands were key locations involved in the First Taiwan Strait Crisis.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kinmen (Quemoy) and the Matsu Islands were strategically significant locations and focal points of military activity during the First Taiwan Strait Crisis.
The primary objective of the Republic of China (ROC) Nationalist Government during this period was to re-establish control over mainland China, rather than foster friendly relations with the PRC.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ROC Nationalist Government's overarching goal remained the recovery of mainland China, making the establishment of friendly relations with the PRC antithetical to its strategic aims.
The 'Closed Port Policy' implemented during this era involved blockading foreign vessels along the Chinese coast.
Answer: True
Explanation: A policy of blockading foreign vessels along the Chinese coast was enacted during this period.
In August 1954, the Republic of China stationed significantly more troops on Kinmen than on Matsu.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, ROC troop deployments in August 1954 showed a higher concentration on Kinmen (58,000) compared to Matsu (15,000).
What was the primary geographical focus of the First Taiwan Strait Crisis?
Answer: Islands held by the Republic of China located just off the Chinese mainland.
Explanation: The primary geographical focus of the First Taiwan Strait Crisis was the Republic of China-held islands situated in close proximity to the Chinese mainland.
Which of the following was NOT an alternative name for the First Taiwan Strait Crisis?
Answer: The Sino-Soviet Border War
Explanation: The Sino-Soviet Border War is distinct from the First Taiwan Strait Crisis; alternative names for the latter include the Formosa Crisis and the Offshore Islands Crisis.
According to the source, what was the main goal of the ROC Nationalist Government during this period?
Answer: To regain control over mainland China.
Explanation: The primary strategic objective of the Republic of China Nationalist Government during this period was the eventual recovery of control over mainland China.
Which of the following islands was NOT explicitly mentioned as being involved in the First Taiwan Strait Crisis?
Answer: Penghu Islands (Pescadores)
Explanation: While Kinmen, Matsu, and Tachen Islands were central to the crisis, the Penghu Islands (Pescadores) were not explicitly mentioned as direct points of conflict in the provided source material.
What statement best describes the ROC's military situation on Kinmen and Matsu in August 1954?
Answer: Kinmen had 58,000 ROC troops, and Matsu had 15,000.
Explanation: In August 1954, the Republic of China maintained substantial military garrisons on Kinmen, numbering approximately 58,000 troops, and on Matsu, with around 15,000 troops.