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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. In the discussion of hyped-up battle behavior, McPherson notes that the phenomenon has been described as all BUT WHICH of the following?

2. According to "Chapter 4: If I Flinched I Was Ruined," the ultimate test of leadership was what?

3. During his visit to the four Civil War battlefields near Fredericksburg, McPherson thinks about the fighting that happened on May 12, 1864; for how many hours did the battle last?

4. After the battle of Shiloh, which of the following Generals for the 53rd Ohio, promised his men--after an hour lecture--that they would fight with artillery behind them in the next battle?

5. Soldiers from all BUT WHICH of the following states are mentioned in the discussion of green recruits who wanted to prove their manhood through battle?

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. In the discussion of cowardice, McPherson says that officers were held to even higher standards of bravery. What effect did this expectation have on officers?

3. In "Chapter 1: This War is a Crusade," what difference does McPherson note between the Civil War and the Vietnam War?

4. After the discussion of courage, bravery, and valor, what fear does McPherson say Civil War soldiers wrote even more about than the three-part concept of honor?

5. Explain the adrenaline rush described by McPherson in the discussion of how soldiers responded to battle.

6. As the war got underway, what feeling did soldiers have about "safe" positions in the rear of battles?

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

8. How did Civil War soldiers react to fear in "Chapter 3: Anxious for the Fray"?

9. What effect did the prospect of death have on the Confederate army during the discussion of religion?

10. In the discussion of leadership, what do the soldiers' letters indicate about the differences in leadership between the Confederate and Union armies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Pick a quote (at least three sentences) from any soldier McPherson quotes in the book and apply John A. Lynn's three categories to that soldier. Explain how and why Lynn's categories apply to the individual you have chosen, and be sure to include supporting information from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Using all available references to officers of both armies, compare and contrast Union and Confederate officers. In what ways did their talents and methodologies differ? Include supporting information from the text.

(see the answer keys)

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