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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As McPherson describes how soldiers on both sides were spoiling for a fight, he mentions an expression denoting exciting experiences: see the _________?
(a) Donkey.
(b) Canary.
(c) Bear.
(d) Elephant.

2. In his discussion of those soldiers who were not so heroic, McPherson mentions that these men were referred to as all BUT WHICH of the following?
(a) Sneaks.
(b) Skulkers.
(c) Snivelers.
(d) Stragglers.

3. When an immigrant worker in a Philadelphia textile mill wrote to his father to explain his enlistment, he said if secession were allowed, the United States might end up worse than what country?
(a) Germany.
(b) Ireland.
(c) Poland.
(d) Russia.

4. In May 1864 the 7th New York was delighted to be ordered into action; they were less excited nine months later after having lost how many men?
(a) 98.
(b) 147.
(c) 291.
(d) 309.

5. A private in the 1st Virginia reported, after the battle of Sharpsburg, that a man in the 24th Virginia was whipped publicly for cowardice; how many lashes did the man receive?
(a) 42.
(b) 16.
(c) 28.
(d) 39.

Short Answer Questions

1. During the discussion of leadership, which of the following Generals had a very different reputation at Gettysburg than he had earlier at Malvern Hill?

2. While talking about historically and politically famous individuals who fought the Civil War, McPherson mentions which of the following Ohio Republican leaders?

3. After the story from the soldier who experienced the glaze of war during the battle at Gaines Mill, McPherson notes that another term for this phenomenon is what?

4. When discussing soldiers not eager to fight, McPherson says derogatory comments about these men came from officers who had enlisted for all BUT WHICH of these reasons?

5. In 1864, an officer in which regiment wrote of a successful attack on Confederate lines, defending the Weldon Railroad near Petersburg?

Short Essay Questions

1. During "Chapter 3: Anxious for the Fray," what attitude did the soldiers on both sides have about the upcoming war?

2. How did the Civil War transform irresponsible men into responsible ones as the war got underway?

3. As the Civil War began, in what way did both the North and the South believe they were each fighting for the cause of liberty?

4. When discussing his framework for the book, what three categories does McPherson say he has used and borrowed from John A. Lynn?

5. Why, according to "Chapter 5: Religion is What Makes Brave Soldiers," does religion make soldiers brave?

6. How did Civil War enlisted men respond to military discipline, as discussed in "Chapter 4: If I Flinched, I was Ruined"?

7. What generally happened to the relationships between soldiers and officers after they went through a battle together, as discussed in "Chapter 4: If I Flinched, I was Ruined"?

8. How did the Calvinist doctrine of predestination factor into soldiers' lives in the discussion of religion?

9. McPherson says that duty and honor were powerful motives for battle, and then goes on to say that they had to be because what modern elements were lacking in Civil War-era soldiers?

10. In the discussion of leadership, what do the soldiers' letters indicate about the differences in leadership between the Confederate and Union armies?

(see the answer keys)

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