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General William T. Sherman Trivia Quiz

How much do you know about the life and career of General Sherman? Take this quiz and find out. Not for the squeamish.

A multiple-choice quiz by gemini67. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
gemini67

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
263,223

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
962

Awards
Top 10% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Sherman was born in what city? Hint

Chicago, IL

Williamsburg, PA

Eads, TN

Lancaster, OH

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Question 2 of 10

2. What year did Sherman begin his education at West Point? Hint

1829

1833

1840

1836

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. Where did First Lieutenant Sherman receive his first command? Hint

Monterey, CA

Leavenworth, KS

Washington

St. Augustine, FL

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Question 4 of 10

4. Sherman left the military for a brief period in the 1850s to try his hand in the private sector. For what bank was he employed? Hint

Wells Fargo

Bailey, Banks, and Biddle

California Savings and Trust

Lucas, Turner, and Company

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. During the first year of the Civil War, Sherman was relieved of command while stationed in Kentucky. What led to this decision? Hint

He had an affair with another general's wife

Disobeying a direct order from the War Deptartment

He was suffering from dysentery

Allegations of insanity

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. After returning to the field as an active officer, what major battle saw Sherman perform so well that future biographers referred to it as his "Spectacular Resurrection"? Hint

First Bull Run

Vicksburg

Corinth

Shiloh

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Question 7 of 10

7. What affectionate nickname did many of the men who served under Sherman call him? Hint

Willie T

Red

Uncle Billy

Old Stoneface

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. What did Sherman "present" to President Lincoln as a Christmas present on December 21, 1864? Hint

Savannah, GA

General Johnston's army

2,000 bales of confiscated cotton

Atlanta, GA

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. What was the main reason Sherman never ran for the Presidency after the war? Hint

He didn't want to challenge his friend Grant

He died soon after the war

He felt he wasn't popular enough to win

He had no interest in the position

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. After living a very healthy life for 71 years, what ailment finally killed Sherman in 1891? Hint

Tuberculosis

Cholera

Cancer

Pneumonia

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Sherman was born in what city?

Answer: Lancaster, OH

Sherman had a love/hate relationship with this town for the remainder of his life. While it was his and his wife's hometown, the slow pace of life there caused him to become bored easily. He often complained that there was never anything to do there and would cut his visits short.

2. What year did Sherman begin his education at West Point?

Answer: 1836

He became a "cadet" in 1836 and went on to graduate 6th in his class of 42 students.

3. Where did First Lieutenant Sherman receive his first command?

Answer: St. Augustine, FL

After being stationed in Florida for the Second Seminole War (in which he saw no action), he was given his first command in a small outpost just west of the coastal Florida town of St. Augustine.

4. Sherman left the military for a brief period in the 1850s to try his hand in the private sector. For what bank was he employed?

Answer: Lucas, Turner, and Company

While he was considered by many to be a highly successful banker, he could not stop the bank from going under during the lean times following the California Gold Rush.

5. During the first year of the Civil War, Sherman was relieved of command while stationed in Kentucky. What led to this decision?

Answer: Allegations of insanity

The allegations of insanity were based on his highly agitated and stressed state brought about by his situation in Kentucky. He grossly overestimated the enemy force he was facing and made unrealistic demands for reinforcements.

6. After returning to the field as an active officer, what major battle saw Sherman perform so well that future biographers referred to it as his "Spectacular Resurrection"?

Answer: Shiloh

Sherman finds redemption with exemplary performance throughout battle. He is wounded twice without retiring from the field. Following the battle he is promoted to Major General of volunteers.

7. What affectionate nickname did many of the men who served under Sherman call him?

Answer: Uncle Billy

The men took to calling him Uncle Billy as he would ride past on his horse. It was a form of salutation to which he responded positively.

8. What did Sherman "present" to President Lincoln as a Christmas present on December 21, 1864?

Answer: Savannah, GA

At the completion of his march through Georgia, the coastal city of Savannah was invested by his troops after the fort defending it was taken in roughly 15 minutes.

9. What was the main reason Sherman never ran for the Presidency after the war?

Answer: He had no interest in the position

In one of his famous quotes, Sherman summed up his opinion of politics and lack of interest in the Presidency when he said: "If nominated, I will not run. If elected, I will not serve."

10. After living a very healthy life for 71 years, what ailment finally killed Sherman in 1891?

Answer: Pneumonia

After Sherman succumbed to pneumonia, in an odd twist, General Joseph E. Johnston (whose surrender Sherman accepted in 1865) contracted the same illness while acting as a pallbearer in Sherman's funeral. He died shortly thereafter.

Source: Author gemini67

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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