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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 explains Southern bitterness toward the North, from which state was the soldier who wrote in June 1863 that he felt his regiment should take horses, burn houses, and cause chaos?

2. When a twenty-five year old soldier in the 2nd Vermont married his fiancee during a furlough in "Chapter 10: We Know That We are Supported at Home," how many months was he with her during the first year of marriage?

3. In the discussion of the Emancipation Proclamation, McPherson says that in his sample of Union soldiers, what percentage favored emancipation through the spring of 1863?

4. In the spring of 1862, soldiers from which state felt a redoubled commitment to the war effort when large portions of their home state fell to the "insolent invader"?

5. In 1863, when an infantry colonel said he began "to think no Soldier ought to be married," readers learn that he is from state?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Chapter 9: Slavery Must be Cleaned Out," what convinced non-abolitionist Union soldiers that slavery was an evil that must be stopped?

2. In the discussion of revenge, why does McPherson say that the Confederate army was more motivated by hatred and revenge than the Union?

3. What was meant when some soldiers wrote home about being stuck in a "rich man's war," toward the end of "Chapter 7: On the Altar of My Country"?

4. What difference did class and education make in terms of support when Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation?

5. Explain the phenomenon of "dry rot," as discussed in "Chapter 10: We Know That We Are Supported at Home."

6. What types of letters did Confederate soldiers begin sending home toward the end of "Chapter 11: Vengeance Will be Our Motto"?

7. When McPherson discusses the extra incentive Confederate soldiers had to keep fighting, what does he say about the Northern opinion of Southern soldiers?

8. After discussing how the conflict between love of family and love of country was a major concern for many Confederate soldiers, how does McPherson say the men resolved this dichotomy?

9. What can be considered ironic about the Confederate fascination with liberty, as discussed in "Chapter 8: The Cause of Liberty"?

10. What challenges did soldiers face in the last year of the Civil War that exacerbated their combat exhaustion?

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

The men who became soldiers during the Civil War era were largely defined by Victorian ideals of manhood. Compare and contrast these ideals--and the soldiers who embodied them--with the modern equivalents. Be sure to include supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the effect religion had on both Union and Confederate soldiers and how their faith influenced their decisions in war. Be sure to include quotes and supporting information from the text.

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