Means Of Ascent by Robert Caro
- 1. Means of Ascent by Robert Caro is the second volume in his acclaimed biography of Lyndon B. Johnson, and it delves deeply into the tumultuous and transformative years of Johnson's political rise during the 1940s and 1950s. Caro meticulously chronicles Johnson's unyielding ambition and the controversial tactics he employed to ascend to power, particularly his infamous victory in the 1948 Senate election, which is shrouded in allegations of electoral fraud and manipulation. This volume not only details Johnson's relentless quest for political dominance but also paints a vivid portrait of the socio-political landscape of Texas and Washington D.C. during this era. Through extensive research and compelling storytelling, Caro explores the complexities of Johnson's character, illustrating how his early life experiences, including his impoverished upbringing and interactions with influential figures, shaped his political strategies and personal relationships. 'Means of Ascent' serves as both a gripping narrative of one man's rise to power and a profound examination of the American political machine, making it a significant contribution to the field of political biography.
Who was Lyndon B. Johnson's main opponent in the 1948 Democratic primary for Senate?
A) John Connally
B) Ralph Yarborough
C) Pappy O'Daniel
D) Coke Stevenson
- 2. What was the number of votes that were mysteriously found in Box 13?
A) 202
B) 1,000
C) 87
D) 506
- 3. What was the reported margin of victory for Johnson in the primary?
A) 500 votes
B) 87 votes
C) 202 votes
D) 1,000 votes
- 4. What position did Johnson hold immediately before running for the Senate in 1948?
A) Governor of Texas
B) State Senator
C) Vice President
D) U.S. Representative
- 5. What was the profession of Johnson's opponent, Coke Stevenson?
A) A university professor
B) A rancher and former governor
C) A wealthy oilman
D) A prominent lawyer
- 6. What mode of transportation did Johnson use extensively for campaigning?
A) Bus
B) Helicopter
C) Train
D) Automobile
- 7. In what year was 'Means of Ascent' first published?
A) 1976
B) 2002
C) 1982
D) 1990
- 8. How does Caro portray the political culture of Texas in this era?
A) As a model of clean democracy
B) As politically insignificant
C) As ideologically progressive
D) As dominated by corruption and machine politics
- 9. What was the ultimate consequence of the 1948 election for Johnson?
A) It forced him to resign
B) It led to his criminal indictment
C) It launched him onto the national stage
D) It ended his political career
- 10. Which U.S. state is the central setting for the political drama in 'Means of Ascent'?
A) Texas
B) California
C) Illinois
D) New York
- 11. What crucial, last-minute ballot box is central to the election controversy in the book?
A) Box 9 from Bexar County
B) Box 7 from Harris County
C) Box 13 from Jim Wells County
D) Box 22 from Travis County
- 12. Which powerful political family in South Texas was instrumental in delivering votes for Johnson?
A) The Bush family
B) The Connally family
C) The Parr family
D) The Kennedy family
- 13. What was the title of the previous volume in Caro's series that covers Johnson's early life?
A) The Passage of Power
B) The Path to Power
C) Master of the Senate
D) The Years of Lyndon Johnson
- 14. Which radio station did the Johnsons own, which helped build his political influence?
A) WOAI in San Antonio
B) WBAP in Fort Worth
C) KTBC in Austin
D) KXYZ in Houston
- 15. What was the title of the volume that follows 'Means of Ascent' in Caro's biography?
A) Master of the Senate
B) The Path to Power
C) The Passage of Power
D) The Vantage Point
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