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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 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.

2. In Chapter 34, the Union troops captured Port ____________. Grant was accompanied by his thirteen-year-old son.

3. Ulysses S. Grant's mother was ______________ and her family was from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and he knew little about her parentage.

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

5. In Chapter 15, Grant arrived in San Francisco and said there were many there seeking what?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Grant described the use of the trenches at Vicksburg. How were trenches useful? How were they used in later wars?

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

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

6. 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?

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

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. How did Grant feel about attending West Point? Why might he have felt this way?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Lincoln called for volunteers, Grant joined.

Part 1) Why did Grant join the military again? What does his reasoning reveal about him? Does this reveal a change in Grant? Why or why not? Would you be so willing to volunteer? Why or why not?

Part 2) Describe the beginning of the war from Grant's perspective. What can be learned about the Civil War by reading this book? What can be learned about Americans at this time by viewing life from Grant's point of view?

Part 3) How did the war progress? What tactics were used that led to an ultimate Union victory? How was Grant important in this victory? Could the Union have won without Grant? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Grant planned on doing a short stint in the military before going into teaching.

Part 1) How did Grant feel about military life early one? Why did he feel this way? How did his feelings about the military change throughout his life? Why did his feelings change?

Part 2) Why might Grant have been interested in teaching? How is this desire to be a teacher seen in the way he led, encouraged, and urged his men during the Civil War?

Part 3) How have plans for your own life altered as you have grown older? How have your feelings changed regarding certain topics? Why? How can you relate to the changes that took place in Grant's life?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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