Overland Campaign and Spotsylvania Battlefield Quiz

What was the main objective of the Union Army at Spotsylvania Courthouse?

• To capture the Confederate capital, Richmond

• To force Lee's army to retreat to the north

• To seize the key intersection at Spotsylvania Courthouse

• To destroy the Confederate supply lines

What was a significant flaw in the Confederate defensive line at Spotsylvania?

• The line was too close to the Union supply base

• The line was built on low ground, making it easy to flood

• The Mule Shoe Salient protruded outward, making it vulnerable

• The line was too short to cover the entire battlefield

Who was the Confederate commander that believed he could hold the Mule Shoe Salient?

• James Longstreet

• Jubal Early

• Richard Ewell

• Robert E. Lee

Why did the Union Army face a traffic jam on Brock Road?

• The road was blocked by fallen trees

• The Union Army was ambushed by Confederate forces

• The fifth core was engaged in fighting at Laurel Hill

• The road was too narrow for the army's wagons

What was the outcome of the Union's attempt to turn the Confederate left flank?

• They successfully turned the flank

• They captured a key bridge

• They were repelled and forced to retreat

• They encircled the Confederate forces

What strategic advantage did capturing the Fredericksburg Road provide to the Union?

• It allowed the Union to cut off Confederate reinforcements

• It provided a direct route to Richmond

• It enabled the Union to shift their supply base closer

• It allowed the Union to encircle Lee's army

What was the role of Edward Ferraro's division during the campaign?

• To provide artillery support

• To lead the main assault on the Confederate lines

• To guard the Union supply lines

• To scout the Confederate positions

What was a concern regarding the United States Colored Troops during the campaign?

• They were not familiar with the terrain

• They might not be able to withstand combat pressure

• They were not adequately trained for battle

• They were too few in number to make a difference

What was a major challenge faced by the Union command structure during the campaign?

• Inadequate supply lines

• Insufficient troop numbers

• Cumbersome command structure due to Burnside's rank

• Lack of communication between divisions

What was the significance of the upcoming attack on the Mule Shoe Salient?

• It was expected to be a decisive cavalry charge

• It was considered one of the classic infantry assaults

• It was a diversionary tactic to mislead the Confederates

• It was a nighttime raid to capture supplies