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Mike Davis was born in Fontana, California, and passed away in San Diego, California.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mike Davis was born in Fontana, California, and died in San Diego, California.
Mike Davis's mother was of Welsh and Protestant heritage, while his father was Irish Catholic.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mike Davis's mother was of Irish Catholic heritage, and his father was of Welsh and Protestant heritage.
Mike Davis spent his childhood in a diverse, urban neighborhood characterized by a mix of ethnic backgrounds and political ideologies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mike Davis spent his childhood in a predominantly white, working-class neighborhood in Bostonia, San Diego County, characterized by Southern Baptist families and a country-western culture.
An early encounter with photos of executed Mexican men at a gas station significantly influenced Davis's lifelong views on border issues.
Answer: True
Explanation: An early encounter with photos of executed Mexican men at a gas station in Ocotillo Wells significantly influenced Davis's lifelong perspectives on border issues.
Mike Davis's interest in science began before the launch of Sputnik, stemming from his religious upbringing.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mike Davis's interest in science began after the launch of Sputnik, following his renunciation of religion.
Davis's disillusionment with American patriotism was solidified after reading John Hersey's *Hiroshima*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Davis's disillusionment with American patriotism was significantly shaped by reading John Hersey's *Hiroshima*, which challenged his previous notions.
Mike Davis left high school at age 16 solely due to academic disinterest.
Answer: False
Explanation: At age 16, Mike Davis left high school to work due to his father's severe heart attack and the resulting financial instability of his family.
Davis's father's hobby of amateur geology involved taking him on desert excursions to search for fossils.
Answer: False
Explanation: Davis's father's amateur geology hobby involved desert excursions to search for uranium, geodes, and petrified wood, not primarily fossils.
What were the birth and death locations of Mike Davis?
Answer: Born in Fontana, California; Died in San Diego, California.
Explanation: Mike Davis was born in Fontana, California, and passed away in San Diego, California.
Which description accurately reflects Mike Davis's parents' backgrounds?
Answer: His father was Welsh Protestant and an abolitionist; his mother was Irish Catholic.
Explanation: Mike Davis's father, Dwight, was of Welsh and Protestant heritage, while his mother, Mary, was Irish Catholic.
What characterized the neighborhood where Mike Davis was raised?
Answer: A predominantly white, working-class neighborhood with Southern Baptist families and a country-western culture.
Explanation: Mike Davis was raised in Bostonia, San Diego County, in a predominantly white, working-class neighborhood populated by Southern Baptist families, featuring a country-western ballroom and rodeo.
What early experience involving photos at a gas station deeply affected Mike Davis?
Answer: Observing pictures of executed Mexican men, influencing his perspective on border issues.
Explanation: An encounter at a gas station with photos of executed Mexican men deeply affected Mike Davis, influencing his views on border issues.
How did the launch of Sputnik impact young Mike Davis?
Answer: It marked a shift towards science after he had already renounced religion.
Explanation: The launch of Sputnik coincided with Mike Davis's shift towards science, occurring after he had renounced religion due to conflicts with his upbringing.
Which event significantly challenged Davis's notions of patriotism and the United States?
Answer: Witnessing the aftermath of the Pendergast murders and reading John Hersey's *Hiroshima*.
Explanation: Witnessing the aftermath of the Pendergast murders and reading John Hersey's *Hiroshima* significantly challenged Davis's notions of patriotism and the United States.
What financial hardship forced Mike Davis to leave school and work at age 16?
Answer: His father suffered a severe heart attack, impacting the family's financial stability.
Explanation: Mike Davis left school at age 16 to work due to his father's severe heart attack, which destabilized the family's financial situation.
What did Mike Davis's father's amateur geology pursuits involve?
Answer: Searching for uranium, geodes, and petrified wood in the desert.
Explanation: Mike Davis's father's amateur geology pursuits involved searching for uranium, geodes, and petrified wood during desert excursions.
Lee Gregovich, a blacklisted communist, encouraged Davis to read works by Karl Marx.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lee Gregovich, an older communist and blacklisted individual, encouraged Davis to read Marx, serving as an early political influence.
Mike Davis considered the 1965 SDS sit-in at Chase Manhattan Bank his 'burning bush moment'.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mike Davis referred to a 1962 CORE demonstration at a Bank of America in San Diego as his 'burning bush moment', not the 1965 SDS sit-in.
While working in the SDS national office, Davis helped organize protests against the Vietnam War and apartheid.
Answer: True
Explanation: While working in the SDS national office, Davis was involved in organizing major demonstrations, including protests against the Vietnam War and an Anti-Apartheid sit-in at Chase Manhattan Bank.
The 1965 Chase Manhattan Bank sit-in was organized in response to the bank's investments in South Africa's apartheid regime.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1965 SDS sit-in at Chase Manhattan Bank was organized to protest the bank's financial support for South Africa's apartheid regime.
Upon returning to California in 1965, Davis focused his activism solely on anti-freeway construction efforts.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon returning to California in 1965, Davis's activism included anti-freeway efforts, but also protests against the Vietnam War and U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic.
Levi Kingston, a former jazz bassist, was considered Davis's 'big brother' and a collaborator in draft resistance.
Answer: True
Explanation: Levi Kingston, a former jazz bassist and activist, was considered Davis's 'big brother' and collaborated with him on draft resistance efforts.
Mike Davis debated actor Kirk Douglas on television regarding Douglas's support for the Johnson administration.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1966, Mike Davis debated actor Kirk Douglas on television, challenging Douglas's support for the Johnson administration and his role as an anti-war film star.
During his activist years, Davis was primarily affiliated with the Black Panther Party and the Socialist Workers Party.
Answer: False
Explanation: During his activist years, Davis was primarily affiliated with CORE and SDS, and later joined the Communist Party USA. He was not primarily affiliated with the Black Panther Party or the Socialist Workers Party.
Mike Davis joined the Communist Party USA in solidarity with their opposition to the Vietnam War.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mike Davis joined the Communist Party USA in solidarity with their opposition to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, not the Vietnam War.
Who was Lee Gregovich and what influence did he have on Davis?
Answer: An older communist and IWW member who encouraged Davis to read Marx.
Explanation: Lee Gregovich was an older communist and IWW member who encouraged Davis to read Marx, serving as an early political influence.
What event did Mike Davis refer to as his 'burning bush moment'?
Answer: A 1962 CORE demonstration at a Bank of America in San Diego.
Explanation: Mike Davis referred to a 1962 CORE demonstration at a Bank of America in San Diego as his 'burning bush moment'.
What significant role did Davis play in the SDS national office?
Answer: He helped organize major demonstrations, including anti-apartheid and anti-Vietnam War protests.
Explanation: While working in the SDS national office, Davis helped organize major demonstrations, such as an Anti-Apartheid sit-in at Chase Manhattan Bank and the first march on Washington against the Vietnam War.
What was the primary reason for the 1965 SDS sit-in at Chase Manhattan Bank?
Answer: Opposing the bank's financial support for South Africa's apartheid government.
Explanation: The 1965 SDS sit-in at Chase Manhattan Bank was organized to protest the bank's financial support for South Africa's apartheid regime.
Which of the following was NOT part of Davis's activism after returning to California in 1965?
Answer: Leading the SDS national office in New York.
Explanation: After returning to California in 1965, Davis was involved in anti-war protests, draft resistance, and anti-freeway efforts. Leading the SDS national office in New York occurred prior to his return.
What role did Levi Kingston play in Mike Davis's life?
Answer: He was an older activist friend and collaborator on draft resistance, whom Davis called his 'big brother'.
Explanation: Levi Kingston was an older activist friend and collaborator on draft resistance whom Mike Davis considered his 'big brother'.
During his 1966 television debate, who did Mike Davis challenge?
Answer: Actor Kirk Douglas, questioning his anti-war stance.
Explanation: In his 1966 television debate, Mike Davis challenged actor Kirk Douglas regarding his stance on the Vietnam War and his support for the Johnson administration.
Mike Davis joined the Communist Party USA primarily due to:
Answer: Their opposition to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
Explanation: Mike Davis joined the Communist Party USA in solidarity with their opposition to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
Davis earned a PhD in economics and history from UCLA after returning to college at age 28.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Mike Davis returned to college at age 28 and earned BA and MA degrees in economics and history from UCLA, he did not complete a PhD.
Mike Davis received the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship Award in 1998.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mike Davis was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 1998, recognizing his significant intellectual contributions.
Mike Davis made significant contributions to fields including Marxism, labor history, and environmental studies.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mike Davis made significant contributions to fields such as Marxism, labor history, urban geography, and environmental studies.
Mike Davis authored two fiction books aimed at young adults.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mike Davis authored two fiction books aimed at young adults, titled *Land of the Lost Mammoths* and *Pirates, Bats, and Dragons*.
Which statement best describes Mike Davis's academic achievements after high school?
Answer: He was expelled from Reed College but later completed BA and MA degrees at UCLA.
Explanation: After being expelled from Reed College, Mike Davis later completed BA and MA degrees in economics and history at UCLA.
Which of the following is NOT listed as an academic or literary honor received by Mike Davis?
Answer: Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction
Explanation: While Mike Davis received honors such as the MacArthur Fellowship, Deutscher Memorial Prize, and Lannan Literary Award, he did not receive a Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction.
What was Mike Davis's role at the University of California, Riverside?
Answer: Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Creative Writing
Explanation: Mike Davis held the position of Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Creative Writing at the University of California, Riverside.
Which academic field was NOT significantly contributed to by Mike Davis, according to the source?
Answer: Theoretical Physics
Explanation: While Mike Davis made significant contributions to urban geography, economic history, and labor history, theoretical physics is not listed as a field he significantly contributed to.
What award did Mike Davis's book *Late Victorian Holocausts* receive in 2002?
Answer: The World History Association Book Prize
Explanation: Mike Davis's book *Late Victorian Holocausts: El Niño Famines and the Making of the Third World* received the World History Association Book Prize in 2002.
*City of Quartz* and *Ecology of Fear* are two of Mike Davis's most recognized nonfiction works.
Answer: True
Explanation: *City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles* and *Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster* are among Mike Davis's most recognized nonfiction works.
The book *Late Victorian Holocausts* focuses on the impact of El Niño-induced famines on the formation of the 'Third World'.
Answer: True
Explanation: *Late Victorian Holocausts: El Niño Famines and the Making of the Third World* examines the devastating impact of El Niño-induced famines and their role in shaping the 'Third World'.
*City of Quartz* analyzes social class dynamics in Los Angeles and won the National Book Award.
Answer: False
Explanation: *City of Quartz* analyzes social class dynamics in Los Angeles and won the Deutscher Memorial Prize, not the National Book Award.
*Planet of Slums* examines the global rise of informal settlements and the challenges faced by the urban poor.
Answer: True
Explanation: *Planet of Slums* analyzes the global proliferation of informal settlements and the significant challenges confronting the urban poor worldwide.
*Set the Night on Fire* was a solo work by Mike Davis detailing the history of Los Angeles.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Set the Night on Fire: L.A. in the Sixties* was co-authored by Mike Davis and Jon Wiener, detailing the history of Los Angeles in that decade.
Mike Davis's final published book was about the history of the car bomb.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mike Davis's final published book was *The Monster Enters*, which focused on pandemics and capitalism. His book *Buda's Wagon* explored the history of the car bomb.
Which book by Mike Davis examines the impact of El Niño famines on the creation of the Third World?
Answer: Late Victorian Holocausts
Explanation: The book *Late Victorian Holocausts: El Niño Famines and the Making of the Third World* by Mike Davis examines the impact of El Niño-induced famines on the formation of the 'Third World'.
What is the central theme of Mike Davis's book *City of Quartz*?
Answer: Power dynamics, social class, and the future of Los Angeles.
Explanation: The central theme of Mike Davis's *City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles* is the analysis of power dynamics, social class, and the trajectory of Los Angeles.
What topic is addressed in Mike Davis's book *Planet of Slums*?
Answer: The history and future of informal settlements and the global urban poor.
Explanation: *Planet of Slums* analyzes the global proliferation of informal settlements and the significant challenges confronting the urban poor worldwide.
Who co-authored *Set the Night on Fire: L.A. in the Sixties* with Mike Davis?
Answer: Jon Wiener
Explanation: *Set the Night on Fire: L.A. in the Sixties* was co-authored by Mike Davis and Jon Wiener.
What was the subject of Mike Davis's final published book, *The Monster Enters*?
Answer: The impact of COVID-19 and avian flu on capitalist systems.
Explanation: Mike Davis's final published book, *The Monster Enters*, examined the impact of pandemics like COVID-19 and avian flu on capitalist systems.
Which book explores the history of the car bomb as a weapon?
Answer: Buda's Wagon
Explanation: The book *Buda's Wagon* by Mike Davis explores the history of the car bomb as a weapon.
What was the subject of *No One Is Illegal*, co-authored by Mike Davis?
Answer: Racism and state violence, particularly concerning the U.S.-Mexico border.
Explanation: The book *No One Is Illegal*, co-authored by Mike Davis, addresses racism and state violence, with a particular focus on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Mike Davis identified himself as an "eco-socialist" with a focus on urban planning.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mike Davis identified himself as an international socialist and a 'Marxist-Environmentalist,' encompassing broader ecological concerns beyond just urban planning.
How did Mike Davis define his political and environmental perspective?
Answer: As an international socialist and a 'Marxist-Environmentalist'.
Explanation: Mike Davis defined his perspective as an international socialist and a 'Marxist-Environmentalist,' integrating Marxist analysis with ecological concerns.
What is the primary focus of Mike Davis's overall body of work?
Answer: Analysis of urban geography, class struggles, and environmental issues.
Explanation: The primary focus of Mike Davis's overall body of work is the analysis of urban geography, class struggles, and environmental issues.
Critics praised Davis's work for its optimistic outlook on urban development.
Answer: False
Explanation: Critics often noted Davis's work for its critical, sometimes 'apocalyptic,' outlook on urban development, rather than an optimistic one.
In an interview, Mike Davis expressed contentment with his final years despite his terminal illness.
Answer: False
Explanation: In a final interview, Mike Davis expressed significant anger about his terminal illness and wished he had died during an active struggle, rather than contentment.
What criticism did some academic leftists level against Mike Davis's work?
Answer: His analyses were considered 'overly apocalyptic' and 'anti-urban'.
Explanation: Some academic leftists criticized Mike Davis's analyses as being 'overly apocalyptic' and 'anti-urban'.
What was the nature of the controversy regarding a fabricated conversation in an *L.A. Weekly* article?
Answer: Davis admitted to fabricating a conversation early in his career for scene-setting purposes.
Explanation: A controversy arose when Davis admitted to fabricating a conversation in an early *L.A. Weekly* article, which he defended as scene-setting but others viewed critically.
How did Jon Wiener defend Mike Davis against critics?
Answer: By arguing that critics were political opponents exaggerating minor errors.
Explanation: Jon Wiener defended Mike Davis by arguing that his critics were political opponents who were exaggerating minor errors in Davis's work.
In his final interview, how did Mike Davis describe his feelings about his terminal illness?
Answer: He conveyed significant anger and wished he had died during an active struggle.
Explanation: In his final interview, Mike Davis conveyed significant anger about his terminal illness, stating he wished he had died during an active struggle.
What was the main criticism Cindi Katz leveled against *City of Quartz*?
Answer: Its "apocalypticism" was "masculinist" and flattened subjectivity.
Explanation: Cindi Katz's main criticism of *City of Quartz* was that its 'apocalypticism' was 'masculinist' and flattened subjectivity.