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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. The author claims that Lincoln's abolitionist policies may be hard to understand if one believes the concept to be ______________.

2. How many is "four score and seven years"?

3. Democrats were eager to keep the peace about what situation?

4. For the living, one should offer ________________.

5. One of the most popular gathering spots was located in what city?

Short Essay Questions

1. Many claim that Lincoln had a natural ability to speak plainly. Is this statement true or false? Explain.

2. Garry Wills makes a specific comment about the changes in speech after Edward Everett made his speech at Gettysburg. What was the comment?

3. What are the most basic requirements for a speech?

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

5. Lincoln's problem was thought to give the President what advantage? What did Lincoln's contemporaries think of his ailment?

6. What were the two flowery and overstated things Lincoln wrote in a letter to James Conkling?

7. How did Edward Everett tie into the revival?

8. Explain the division of the parts for a traditional funereal oratory.

9. What famous writers often used themes of the ancient Greeks in their works?

10. What political positions did Henry Clay hold?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although Lincoln and Everett were both well known orators and statesmen, the reader gets the impression that Everett was more revered. Why? What experience did Everett have that Lincoln did not? What experience did Lincoln have that would have trumped Everett? After reading the speeches, which do you feel was a more talented orator?

Essay Topic 2

Lincoln was not the main speaker at Gettysburg. Who was the main speaker? Why was s/he chosen over Lincoln? Whose speech was more successful? How many people attended the speeches? What else was going on that day? Who else was in attendance?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the personalities, strengths and careers of Robert E. Lee and George Meade. Who had the biggest impact on the Civil War?

(see the answer keys)

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