Civil War & Recon, DSST (UL)

[Gary]

Did anyone find any small battles on your exam such as Rich Mountain, Carthage, Boonville, Big Bethel, Phillippi, Battle of Hemp Bales, Belmont, Ivy Mountain or anything like these? Or were the questions related to Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Antietam, Fort Sumter and Bull Run, the larger battles? Some small battles are significant such as Phillippi (considered first major land action in Eastern Theater) or Rich Mountain (instrumental in propelling McClellan to command of Army of the Potomac) or Boonville (early victory established Union control of the Missouri River and helped douse attempts to place Missouri in the Confederacy). I see where most people say this was a rather straight forward test, I'd rather focus on what really matters than what is interesting. In my search, I have found numerous small battles, all significant in their own way, but memorizing them will take more time than I am prepared to give. Any help is appreciated.

[Chebasaz]

My exam concentrated on the larger battles, though it did touch on some of the smaller ones during the Shenandoah campaign (Kernestown, Harpers Ferry). Know how the generals (Both north and south) arrived at command, but don't go too deep into it.

Gonzo and Kitterina's suggestions "In the exam specific forum" along with IC was enough for me to get an A on this one.

[Gary]

Thanks for the help. I'm going to look at this Ken Burns book, everyone seems to talk about it. Everytime you go to a different website, you see something else that could also be on the test. Afetr awhile, you realize you could go on and on. That's why I would rather have a book like Ken Burns. Once again, I appreciate the feedback.

[ShotoJuku]

Thanks for the help. I'm going to look at this Ken Burns VIDEO everyone seems to talk about it.

You may want to check your local library for the video series.

[Gary]

Psst, Gary: [SIZE="1"]Ken Burns' Civil War is a documentary series that aired on PBS. It's based on Shelby Foote's book, The Civil War: A Narrative.[/SIZE]

The DVD series is wonderful and really helped bring the whole picture together for me. I was even willing to put up with the slow-scroll-across-a-photo technique because the content was so great.

Thanks, I see so much info that after a while it's a blur. I'll check the posts again and get it straight.

[Gonzo]

I was even willing to put up with the slow-scroll-across-a-photo technique because the content was so great.

The "slow-scroll-across-a-photo technique". You're kidding, right? Don't you mean the Ken Burn's Effect? Ken Burn's Effect Wikipedia

Anyways, I agree. I ended up watching the series twice.

[Gary]

I took the Civil War & Reconstruction today and I should have used the Ken Burns video (never got around to it) or Civil War For Dummies. I used InstaCert, a couple of Civil War/Recon timeline websites, sparknotes and review based on feedback. Out of 112 ques, I feel I knew 50-60 and had a good feeling w/probably 15-20. Still, I don't care what anyone says, InstaCert filled in some gaps, it is useful to learning some of the info but I don't believe you can pass the test (w/out some luck) if you use InstaCert specifically. I used InstaCert a LOT, knew the battles and who was who for the most part and I still see some names and items I've never even heard of. Once again very little sleep before (3 hrs) because I work night shift and was up the day before (birthDay) but I stand by what I say. I'm sure Ken Burns covers some things that InstaCert didn't and I know sparknotes are probably based more for lower level type study. I knew InstaCert very well going in, I looked at it religiously (cut/pasted each ques and even read them during break at work). It's not enough. If someones idea of easy is doing what I did, figuring if I just know 60 ques and have a good idea about 10-15 so I'm in, well then your probably right. My thought is, I don't care how many ques are on the test, if I give a solid effort, I want to know most of the questions, not just enough to get by. Final conclusion; as in other posts, you might want to use Ken Burns video and if not, Civil War for Dummies is more than likely a wise decision. I've taken History, Civ War & Reconstruction and Drugs and Alcohol DSST's and I still haven't met a test I really liked (2 were A's), not for the effort I've put in. Everything else is traditional (1 ECE, World POP-definitely didn't like that and I crammed w/Instacert a lot there)and that is where I'll stay from here on out. There all A's and B's and for me, I'm more comfortable w/them. 5 + math and DONE!......Listen to your seniors :}

[Gary]

I took the paper exam, last time results came back in approx 4 wks. I don't think I failed, I know I knew at least 50-60 %, how many more I needed, I'll leave that to the statisticians. When I study like I did, even if I pulled a 70, it still bothers me that I didn't feel really comfortable w/it. I figured it would be an easier test, which for some I'm sure it is, but I didn't take it lightly and definitely put a good effort in. We'll see how it goes, this much I am sure of, I can't wait to get fun back in my life. I have sacrificed everything for this. Outside of working out a couple times a week, I play with my kids in the house and I sit in front of this screen. My wife has sacrificed with me. Kidding around on here is my outlet right now, I don't know about all of you but I am definitely ready to get this over. I'm a hyper person, I need to keep busy, I feel like a caged animal, this can't get over quick enough for me!!!!!!!