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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 said the Confederate troops were driven steadily back and eventually retreated. Grant said the victory was cinched by the arrival of whom?

2. Grant reported in September at the ________________ Barracks in St. Louis.

3. In Chapter 18, Grant left Galena as commander of the _______ Regiment.

4. Grant planned to do a short stint in the military before doing what?

5. In Chapter 17, states continued to secede from the Union and the Civil War broke out in ________ of 1861.

Short Essay Questions

1. Grant describes breaking mules for working with the military. Why might he have described this?

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

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

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

8. 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?

9. Grant believed that a "bloodless advance to Atlanta, to Vicksburg, or to any other desired point south of Corinth" would have been possible, but the advantage was never pressed. Why not?

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

Grant made Abraham Lincoln a promise.

Part 1) What was this promise? Why did he make Lincoln this promise? What events led up to this promise?

Part 2) What does the first meeting between Lincoln and Grant reveal about both of these men? How did this initial meeting affect their relationship throughout the rest of the war?

Part 3) What promises have you made in your own life? Why did you make these promises? Have you been able to keep these promises? Why or why not? How difficult were these promises to try to keep? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Grant was ordered to San Francisco.

Part 1) What was Grant's attitude regarding himself and the city of San Francisco? Why did he feel this way? How was his opinion of himself and his opinion of San Francisco changed after moving to there? How was he affected by these changes?

Part 2) Why might the people of San Francisco treat him they way they did? What does this reveal about the citizens of San Francisco? How was Grant treated by others throughout his life? How does this treatment compare to the treatment he received in San Francisco?

Part 3) Describe a time in which you were treated differently than you had expected to be treated. What was your reaction to this? How did this affect you?

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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