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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. While the United States wanted a war with Mexico over disputed territory, Grant said what was important?

2. On a Friday, Grant took a fall with his horse and was injured, though not as seriously as he might have been because of what?

3. Mexico would gain Texas but give up all rights to what?

4. Grant joined Sherman on his march into what town?

5. Grant described the use of the ____________ at this siege.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Grant said that once the City of Mexico fell, it seemed that a long-term occupation would be necessary. Why might he believe this?

3. Prior to the Mexican War, Grant noted that the presence of U.S. soldiers was supposed to provoke an attack by the Mexicans but it did not. Why might they not have attacked?

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

5. 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?

6. Grant was disappointed by the reaction of others in San Francisco to him in uniform. Why might he have felt this way?

7. In Chapter Twenty-Nine, troops supporting Grant at Corinth were moved out. How did this affect Grant? What might he have thought of this maneuver?

8. Grant talked about the lack of trust the Indians had in the whites. Why did they not trust the white man?

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Grant witnesses a duel.

Part 1) Describe this duel. Why does Grant discuss this duel? How is he affected by witnessing this duel? What does this reflection on this duel reveal about Grant?

Part 2) At what other times does Grant reflect upon the events taking place around him? Why does he reflect on these events? What do these reflections reveal about him?

Part 3) When have you reflected on past events? How were these events important? How did these events impact your life?

Essay Topic 3

Grant describes life in San Francisco.

Part 1) Describe San Francisco based on Grant's writings. What did Grant think about San Francisco? What does this reveal about Grant's beliefs and personality?

Part 2) How does the San Francisco of Grants' time compare to San Francisco today? How might San Francisco still be influenced by its past? Why is this information regarding San Francisco's past important to this book?

Part 3) How did Grant's life change during his time in San Francisco? How might this have led to his resignation from the military? How can you relate to this? When in your own life have people, places, and/or events influenced decisions you made?

(see the answer keys)

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