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Quiz for Document 29–1: John F. Kennedy and Bobbie Lou Pendergrass, Letters, 1963

Choose the best answer to each question.

1. How did President Kennedy respond to Pendergrass’s question about why Americans were in Vietnam?

He explained that the United States had to conquer North Vietnam.

He argued that Americans had to protect vital commercial interests in the region.

He indicated that the South Vietnamese were unable to fight the war themselves.

He explained that Americans were not there to fight the war but to advise the South Vietnamese.

2. How did Pendergrass perceive her brother’s death in Vietnam?

She believed he died honorably serving his country.

She understood that his sacrifice would help preserve freedom.

She was upset that the military had malfunctioning equipment.

She felt his death was pointless.

3. According to President Kennedy, why was supporting anti-Communist forces in Vietnam important?

Vietnam could serve as a base for Communist attacks against American interests.

If Vietnam fell to communism, then other nations in Southeast Asia would as well.

The United States was committed to protecting fragile democracies.

Communist forces had been committing genocidal acts in Vietnam.