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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. Who was the president of the Southern states?

2. How many days did the Battle of Gettysburg last?

3. In what city did Lincoln grow up?

4. What was Lincoln's wife's name?

5. Who was Andrew Curtin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Lincoln was known to "play to the crowd" during what important event?

2. What was the game often played by John Hay and Lincoln after seeing a play?

3. What was Henry Clay's main objective in the political arena?

4. Why was the Battle of Gettysburg such an important event?

5. What does the author say about the myth that Lincoln wrote his Gettysburg Address on the train from Washington to Gettysburg?

6. In addition to writing and oratory, what other art form was being revived at the time?

7. How did Joseph Story fit into the anti-slavery movement?

8. Lincoln adopted a more powerful way of writing by pairing what two elements?

9. How did Edward Everett tie into the revival?

10. What were the repercussions of the mistakes made by both generals?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a great deal to be said about Everett's classic style as well as Lincoln's economical use of words. While both were effective styles, there were occasions when one was more appropriate than the other. Compare the styles of speech used by the two men. Also list differences and how they affected the overall presentation.

Essay Topic 2

Lincoln's friend, William Herndon, was very specific about Lincoln's use of language in both writing and speech. Recount William Herndon's lengthy list of observations. Do you think Herndon was correct in his assessment? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Lincoln often avoided the topics of abolition, slave ownership and interracial marriage. Why? Was the restriction a personal choice or made for the benefit of Lincoln's political career? How might the Democrats have responded if Lincoln had addressed these issues at Gettysburg? Since these topics were avoided, what main topic did Lincoln speak about at Gettysburg?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 563 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample