Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

Which of the following would be considered a primary source in researching the factors that influenced US involvement in the Korean War?

1. I and II only

2. II and IV only

3. II and III only

4. I and IV only

The correct answer is: I and IV only

A primary source is a document or physical object that was created during the time under study, providing direct or firsthand evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art. In the context of researching US involvement in the Korean War, primary sources might include official government documents, personal letters, diaries, photographs, and first-person accounts from individuals directly involved in the events. If the identified sources include an official government report detailing the US response and military strategies related to the Korean War, and a letter from a soldier deployed in Korea during that time expressing personal thoughts and experiences, these would both serve as valuable primary sources. Official reports provide insight into governmental decision-making processes and policy, while personal letters can illuminate the sentiments and experiences of individuals impacted by those decisions. This combination of governmental and personal perspectives gives a comprehensive view of the factors influencing US involvement in the conflict. The chosen answer indicates that the sources indeed consist of primary materials that authentically relate to the historical context of the Korean War, thereby offering critical insights for understanding the complexities of the situation.