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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. As McPherson describes how soldiers on both sides were spoiling for a fight, he mentions an expression denoting exciting experiences: see the _________?

2. According to the quote from John W. DeForest in "Chapter 1: This War is a Crusade," the man who does not dread to die or be mutilated is a what?

3. When discussing various war memoirs, McPherson mentions that Union artilleryman John Billings wrote which of the following?

4. As "Chapter 4: If I Flinched I Was Ruined" opens, which of the following is NOT a traditional means of motivating soldiers to fight?

5. As McPherson talks about the literacy rates during the Civil War, he says that what percentage of Union soldiers were literate?

Short Essay Questions

1. Define and explain "rage militaire" as discussed by McPherson in his discussion of the initial impulse that motivated soldiers to fight the Civil War.

2. According to "Chapter 5: Religion is What Makes Brave Soldiers," why does religion become so important to soldiers during war?

3. For what purpose does McPherson relate the story of James and John Welsh in the opening of "Chapter 2: We Were in Earnest"?

4. What conclusion is reached about the role of religion as a motivating factor at the end of "Chapter 5: Religion is What Makes Brave Soldiers"?

5. What generally happened to the relationships between soldiers and officers after they went through a battle together, as discussed in "Chapter 4: If I Flinched, I was Ruined"?

6. How did the Civil War transform irresponsible men into responsible ones as the war got underway?

7. How did the tone of soldiers' letters home change from their initial zeal after the first few battles were over?

8. During "Chapter 3: Anxious for the Fray," what attitude did the soldiers on both sides have about the upcoming war?

9. While discussing "short-timers" psychology, what reason does McPherson give for why this phenomenon did not exist in the Confederate army?

10. How did the Calvinist doctrine of predestination factor into soldiers' lives in the discussion of religion?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In a well-developed essay, analyze and discuss the effect being in the presence of slavery had on non-abolitionist Union soldiers. Include quotes and supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the effect of the French concept of "rage militaire" during the Civil War with once instance of the same phenomenon in more modern times. In what ways has the effect of this phenomenon on society changed over time? In what ways is the effect the same? Include supporting quotes and information from the text and outside research as necessary.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the Southern war effort during the Civil War with that of the Revolutionary War soldiers. Discuss three things that Confederate soldiers saw themselves as having in common with the Revolutionary fighters, and include supporting information from the book.

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