3. Grant believed that "a _______________ advance to Atlanta, to Vicksburg, or to any other desired point south" would have been possible, but the advantage was not pressed.

4. In Chapter 29, troops supporting Grant at Corinth were moved out and Grant said it put him in the unenviable position of being what?

5. Eventually, Grant was ordered to San Francisco. When Grant's uniform first arrived, he put it on and went out in public. Why?

Short Essay Questions

1. Grant's troops came under fire for the first time at Belmont and he said they acted like veteran fighters. Why might they have fought so well?

2. How did Grant feel about being involved in the Mexican War? Why might he have felt this way?

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

4. As Grant journeyed to Memphis, he encountered a Union loyalist who warned him of a neighbor who was a Southern sympathizer. What does this reveal about the difficulties involved in fighting a civil war?

5. In Chapter Sixteen, Grant resigned from the military. Why might he have done this?

6. 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?

7. Former slaves join up with the army. What were Grant's orders? What does this reveal about him?

8. Grant received orders from General Halleck to change his position. Did Grant do this? Why or why not?

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

10. Describe Ulysses S. Grant's parents.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Grant, as well as other leaders, continued to fight and lead troops even after being injured.

Part 1) Describe a time in which Grant was injured and continued to lead. Why did he do this? What other leader was injured and continued to lead his men? Why did he do this? What does this reveal about these men? What does this say about the Civil War?

Part 2) Should these men have continued to lead? Why or why not? Would you lead others if you were sick or injured? Why or why not?

Part 3) Would military leaders do this today? Why or why not? In what ways can you support this belief regarding the U.S. military today?

Essay Topic 2

Grant describes several letters he wrote throughout his life.

Part 1) Describe two of these letters. To whom were they written? Why were they written? What do they reveal about Grant, the receivers of the letters, and life in the U.S. in the mid-nineteenth century?

Part 2) How are these letters significant? Based on these letters how influential was Grant? What did Grant think of himself? Why did he feel this way? How is this seen throughout his life?

Part 3) Describe letters and e-mails that you have written recently. What were the subjects of these letters/e-mails? What might they reveal about you, the receivers of the letters/e-mails and your relationship to the recipients of these letters/e-mails?

Essay Topic 3

Grant describes and reflects on the battle of Vicksburg.

Part 1) Describe this battle. What events led up to this battle? Why did this battle take place? How was this battle significant?

Part 2) What are Grant's thoughts about the battle of Vicksburg? How have his feelings and thoughts about this battle changed since the battle took place? How does this reflection compare to his reflections upon other battles and events?

Part 3) What is learned about Grant through his memories of Vicksburg? What is also learned about the Civil War and war tactics in general? How might this information be useful for future military leaders?

(see the answer keys)

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