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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. Grant's time at West Point and in the military meant that he knew who?

2. Grant cited the nature of the fort's commander and predicted what?

3. Did Grant dwell on the duel he saw?

4. Sherman questioned __________ Grant had planned after the siege at Vicksburg.

5. Who was Nicholas P. Trist?

Short Essay Questions

1. Grant was named Brigadier-General and said he was surprised by the promotion. Why might he have been surprised?

2. Grant arrived in San Francisco and said there were many there seeking their fortunes in gold. How might this gold rush still be seen today?

3. Grant describes the pressure of public opinion. How is public opinion even more important in military operations today?

4. Grant asked to be assigned to the cavalry but was assigned to the infantry. What is the difference between these two military groups? Why might he have wanted to be a part of the cavalry?

5. Sherman wrote to Grant's superior, seeking to force Grant to heed the advice of other commanders. What does this reveal about Grant?

6. Grant set up a supply depot at Perkins' plantation and described a sense of relief. Why was there a sense of relief?

7. How did Grant feel about his men? How might he have benefited from this?

8. How does Grant contrast General Scott with General Taylor?

9. Grant planned to attack Fort Donelson and predicted little opposition from the fort's commander. Why? What does this reveal about Grant?

10. Grant arrived with the army at Pittsburg Landing and believed neither Pittsburg Landing nor Crump's Landing could be lost. Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

General Lee "set up a white flag."

Part 1) How did the battles described in this book lead to Lee's surrender? What battles were the most significant and had the most impact on this Union victory?

Part 2) What role did Grant play throughout this war? How important was Grant to the Union cause? Explain. Could the north have beaten the south without Grant? Why or why not? Use evidence from this book to support your responses.

Part 3) If Grant were to go back and fight the Civil War all over again, do you believe he would have? What changes might he have made to his various plans? Why? Use the book to support your response.

Essay Topic 2

Grant participated in the Mexican War.

Part 1) Describe the Mexican War. Why did it begin? How did it come to an end? How was the U.S. and Mexico affected by the outcome of this war? How is this still seen today?

Part 2) What were Grant's feelings regarding this war? Why did he feel this way? Did he act in a way that revealed these feelings? Why or why not? What are your own thoughts regarding this war, based on information found in this book?

Part 3) What are your feelings about war in general now that you have read this book? What can be said about all wars? How are the wars described in this book unique?

Essay Topic 3

Grant came from an encouraging family.

Part 1) How was he encouraged as a child and young adult? How did he feel about this encouragement?

Part 2) How different might Grant's life have been if his parents had not had high hopes for him? How might we all have been affected by this?

Part 3) How have you been encouraged in your own life? How has this influenced your life? How might this affect how you would influence your own children?

(see the answer keys)

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