Pentagon Papers and Their Impact

The Pentagon Papers, leaked by Daniel Ellsberg, revealed U.S. government secrets about the Vietnam War, showing military miscalculations and lies. Ellsberg leaked the documents to the New York Times and Washington Post, leading to a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court. The court ruled in favor of press freedom, allowing publication. Ellsberg faced charges under the Espionage Act, but they were dropped due to governmental misconduct. The case set a precedent for press responsibility to publish the truth, even if classified.

What was the primary source for the New York Times' report on the Pentagon Papers?

• A public statement by the President

• A leaked memo from the White House

• A military analyst named Daniel Ellsberg

• A government press release

Why did Daniel Ellsberg decide to leak the Pentagon Papers?

• He wanted to support the Vietnam War

• He was ordered by his superiors to do so

• He believed the war was unwinnable and the public was being misled

• He was promised a reward by the New York Times

Which U.S. President first provided military aid to France against the Viet Minh?

• President Nixon

• President Truman

• President Johnson

• President Kennedy

What was President Nixon's initial legal response to the New York Times' publication of the Pentagon Papers?

• He ignored the publication

• He praised the New York Times for their bravery

• He supported the publication

• He obtained a court injunction to stop further articles

What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding the publication of the Pentagon Papers?

• The press had the right to publish under freedom of press

• The press was fined for publishing classified documents

• The government had a strong case to censor the press

• The case was dismissed without a decision

Which newspaper continued publishing articles about the Pentagon Papers after the New York Times was stopped?

• The Washington Post

• The Chicago Tribune

• The Wall Street Journal

• The Los Angeles Times

What was Daniel Ellsberg charged with under the Espionage Act?

• Treason against the United States

• Fraud and embezzlement

• Conspiracy to overthrow the government

• Leaking government secrets

What was the outcome of the charges against Daniel Ellsberg?

• He was acquitted by a jury

• He was sentenced to 115 years in prison

• He was found guilty and fined

• The charges were dropped due to governmental misconduct

What was the purpose of the team called 'Plumbers' used by President Nixon?

• To manage public relations

• To negotiate peace in Vietnam

• To discredit Daniel Ellsberg

• To repair leaks in the White House

What precedent did the publication of the Pentagon Papers set for the press?

• The press should avoid publishing any classified documents

• The press has a responsibility to publish the truth, even if classified

• The press should always support government decisions

• The press must seek government approval before publishing