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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. Toward the end of "Chapter 3: Anxious for the Fray," McPherson notes that men were shocked by war as most of them were in what age group?

2. During the story of Sarah Rosetta Wakeman, what is the name of the battle in which she fought?

3. Having discussed how the eagerness for battle faded, McPherson goes on to say that soldiers turned to the most pervasive presence: ________?

4. Toward the end of "Chapter 6: A Band of Brothers," McPherson quotes which of the following theorists in relation to ideal primary groups?

5. During the battle of Fredericksburg, from which state was the corporal who wrote his diary that he was sick, and if not for being thought a sneak, he wouldn't be in the ranks that day?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to "Chapter 5: Religion is What Makes Brave Soldiers," why does religion become so important to soldiers during war?

2. During the discussion about the adrenaline rush phenomenon, what did soldiers experience once the adrenaline had worn off?

3. While discussing "short-timers" psychology, what reason does McPherson give for why this phenomenon did not exist in the Confederate army?

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

5. What ideological concepts and convictions initially motivated the Confederate soldiers to enlist and fight, as discussed by McPherson in his analysis of the beginning of the war?

6. How did the tone of soldiers' letters home change from their initial zeal after the first few battles were over?

7. In the discussion of leadership, what qualities does McPherson say made a good officer?

8. In the discussion of cowardice, McPherson says that officers were held to even higher standards of bravery. What effect did this expectation have on officers?

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

10. For what purpose does McPherson relate the story of James and John Welsh in the opening of "Chapter 2: We Were in Earnest"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the effect of the French concept of "rage militaire" during the Civil War with once instance of the same phenomenon in more modern times. In what ways has the effect of this phenomenon on society changed over time? In what ways is the effect the same? Include supporting quotes and information from the text and outside research as necessary.

Essay Topic 2

In a well-developed essay, compare and contrast the Northern concept of liberty with that of the Southern version of liberty. In what two major ways do their interpretations differ? Be sure to include supporting information from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the qualities that a good officer would possess, based on the letters from soldiers. Fully explain three essential qualities and explain why each is important to the soldiers in the book. Include quotes and supporting information from the book.

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