24. The New Deal Experiment, 1932

Quiz for Making Historical Arguments: How Did the New Deal Contribute to National Defense?

Choose the best answer to each question. Click the “submit” button for each question to turn in your work.

1. During the 1930s, how did American military spending compare to that of other nations such as Germany, Japan, and the Soviet Union?

The United States spent much more on building a modern air force than did the other nations.

Japan spent more than the United States, the Soviet Union, and Germany combined.

Military spending by Germany, Japan, and the Soviet Union grew at a much higher rate than did military spending by the United States.

The United States had always spent much more on its military.

2. Prior to the New Deal rearmament program, how did most Americans view naval rearmament?

They cared little about foreign threats and naval rearmament.

They were afraid of growing threats in Europe and supported rebuilding the navy.

They thought it was a waste of money.

They preferred sending money to help their foreign allies build stronger militaries.

3. Why were American military planners so focused on rebuilding the nation’s navy rather than its army?

They thought that the navy was the military strategy of the future, while the army was outdated.

Military planners thought that a modernized navy would best counter the Japanese threat.

They realized the United States’ extensive coastline made it an easy target.

They wanted American naval power to surpass that of the Soviet Union.

4. How did Roosevelt and the New Dealers justify the expenditure to rebuild the navy?

They argued that it would help them expand America’s borders.

They said it would improve America’s reputation abroad.

They argued that it would alleviate unemployment.

They wanted to be able to combat the threat of communism from the Soviet Union.

5. According to the authors, who were the main supporters of Roosevelt’s naval rearmament plan?

Wealthy Americans who wanted more opportunities for investment

The U.S. Navy, private shipyards, and congressional supporters of naval power

Everyday Americans looking for work

American allies who wanted the United States to help defend them from threats