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General officers in the Confederate States Army Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Confederate States Army: General Officer Structure and Command

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Confederate States Army: General Officer Structure and Command Study Guide

Confederate Military Structure and Components

The Confederate States Army was structured identically to the United States Army from its inception.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Confederate States Army drew heavily upon the structure and customs of the United States Army, it was not identical from its inception, particularly concerning the establishment of its War Department and specific organizational frameworks.

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The Confederate States Army comprised only two components: the regular army and state militias.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Confederate States Army consisted of three primary components: the Army of the Confederate States of America (ACSA), the Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS), and the various state militias.

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All Confederate major generals by the war's end served in the Army of the Confederate States of America (ACSA).

Answer: False

Explanation: By the war's end, all officers who held the rank of major general served within the Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS), not the Army of the Confederate States of America (ACSA).

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What were the three principal components of the Confederate States Army?

Answer: The Army of the Confederate States of America (ACSA), the Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS), and the various state militias

Explanation: The Confederate States Army was composed of three distinct parts: the Army of the Confederate States of America (ACSA), the Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS), and the state militias.

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General Officer Ranks and Hierarchy

The Confederate States Army initially commissioned only brigadier generals in both its volunteer and regular services.

Answer: True

Explanation: At the outset of its formation, the Confederate States Army's general officer structure began with the rank of brigadier general, applicable to both the volunteer and regular components.

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The Confederate Congress authorized the creation of major generals and generals on May 16, 1861, to establish seniority over existing militia officers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Legislation enacted by the Confederate Congress on May 16, 1861, established the ranks of major general and general, primarily to ensure clear lines of seniority above officers already serving in state militias.

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The rank of 'general' was established as the highest military grade within the Confederate States Army.

Answer: True

Explanation: The rank designated as 'general' was instituted as the paramount military grade within the Confederate States Army.

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By the conclusion of the war, the Confederacy had appointed 88 individuals to the rank of major general, all serving within the Provisional Army.

Answer: True

Explanation: A total of at least 88 men attained the rank of major general in the Confederate military by the war's end, exclusively within the structure of the Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS).

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The rank of 'general' is often referred to in contemporary scholarship as 'full general' to distinguish it from the broader classification of 'general officer'.

Answer: True

Explanation: To differentiate the specific Confederate rank from the general category of 'general officer,' modern historical and military analyses frequently employ the term 'full general'.

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The Confederate States Army initially commissioned only colonels as general officers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Confederate States Army initially commissioned only brigadier generals as its general officers, not colonels.

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By September 18, 1862, the Confederate States Army recognized six distinct grades of general officers.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of September 18, 1862, the Confederate States Army recognized four distinct grades of general officers: brigadier general, major general, lieutenant general, and general.

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What was the initial rank commissioned for general officers in the Confederate States Army?

Answer: Brigadier General

Explanation: The Confederate States Army initially commissioned officers only to the rank of brigadier general.

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On what date did the Confederate Congress authorize the creation of major generals and generals?

Answer: May 16, 1861

Explanation: The Confederate Congress passed legislation authorizing the ranks of major general and general on May 16, 1861.

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As of September 18, 1862, what was the highest grade of general officer in the Confederate States Army?

Answer: General

Explanation: By September 18, 1862, the rank of 'General' was established as the highest grade within the Confederate States Army's general officer structure.

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Approximately how many men held the rank of brigadier general in the Confederate Provisional Army (PACS) by the war's end?

Answer: At least 383

Explanation: By the conclusion of the war, at least 383 individuals had attained the rank of brigadier general within the Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS).

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By the end of the war, how many men had held the rank of major general in the Confederacy, and in which branch did they serve?

Answer: At least 88 men, all in the PACS

Explanation: By the war's conclusion, at least 88 individuals had attained the rank of major general, all serving within the Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS).

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How many officers were originally appointed to the highest rank of 'general' in the Confederate States Army?

Answer: Five

Explanation: Initially, five officers were appointed to the highest rank of 'general' in the Confederate States Army.

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Command Authority and Responsibilities

As President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis exercised ultimate command authority over all Confederate military forces.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jefferson Davis, by virtue of his office as President of the Confederate States of America, held the constitutional role of commander-in-chief of all Confederate military forces.

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Confederate brigadier generals primarily commanded brigades, a distinction from some U.S. Army counterparts who also led divisions.

Answer: True

Explanation: While U.S. Army brigadier generals sometimes commanded divisions, Confederate brigadier generals were predominantly assigned to the command of brigades, comprising multiple regiments.

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The Confederate Army included 18 lieutenant generals, many of whom were assigned command of corps or military departments.

Answer: True

Explanation: Eighteen officers achieved the rank of lieutenant general in the Confederate Army, frequently tasked with leading corps formations or overseeing significant military departments.

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The Confederate Congress legalized the formation of army corps on September 18, 1862, assigning lieutenant generals to lead these formations.

Answer: True

Explanation: On September 18, 1862, legislation was passed by the Confederate Congress formally establishing army corps and designating lieutenant generals as their commanders.

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Edmund Kirby Smith was the sole officer appointed to command the Trans-Mississippi Department with the rank of general within the Provisional Army of the Confederate States.

Answer: True

Explanation: Edmund Kirby Smith held the unique distinction of being the only officer appointed to command the Trans-Mississippi Department with the rank of general in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States.

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Confederate brigadier generals typically commanded divisions, similar to their U.S. Army counterparts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Confederate brigadier generals primarily commanded brigades, whereas U.S. Army brigadier generals occasionally commanded divisions, particularly in the earlier stages of the war.

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The role of a Confederate major general was identical to that of a U.S. Army major general during the Civil War, often leading corps and armies.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the rank was equivalent, the typical command scope for a Confederate major general was not identical to that of a U.S. Army major general, who more frequently led corps and entire armies.

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Army corps were legalized in the Confederate Army well before September 18, 1862.

Answer: False

Explanation: The formal legalization of army corps within the Confederate Army occurred on September 18, 1862, not prior to this date.

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The position of General in Chief was created and held by Robert E. Lee for the majority of the Civil War.

Answer: False

Explanation: The position of General in Chief of the Confederate Armies was created late in the war, on January 23, 1865, and was held by Robert E. Lee for a brief period, not the majority of the war.

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Who served as the commander-in-chief of all military forces for the Confederate States of America?

Answer: Jefferson Davis

Explanation: Jefferson Davis, as the President of the Confederate States of America, held the ultimate authority as commander-in-chief of all Confederate military forces.

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What was the primary role of most Confederate brigadier generals?

Answer: Leading infantry or cavalry brigades

Explanation: The principal duty for most Confederate brigadier generals involved commanding infantry or cavalry brigades, which are formations composed of multiple regiments.

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Which statement accurately describes the command scope of Confederate brigadier generals compared to their U.S. Army counterparts?

Answer: Confederate brigadiers mainly commanded brigades, while U.S. brigadiers sometimes led divisions as well.

Explanation: Confederate brigadier generals predominantly commanded brigades, whereas their U.S. Army counterparts occasionally held command of divisions, particularly in the earlier phases of the conflict.

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What was a common role for Confederate lieutenant generals?

Answer: Corps commander or head of a military department

Explanation: Confederate lieutenant generals frequently served as commanders of army corps or as heads of military departments, overseeing significant geographical areas and troop concentrations.

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When were army corps legalized in the Confederate Army, and who was directed to lead them?

Answer: September 18, 1862; Lieutenant Generals

Explanation: The Confederate Congress legalized the formation of army corps on September 18, 1862, assigning lieutenant generals to command these formations.

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Who was the only officer appointed as General in Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States?

Answer: Robert E. Lee

Explanation: General Robert E. Lee holds the distinction of being the only officer appointed to the position of General in Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States.

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When was the position of General in Chief of the Confederate Armies created, and who held it?

Answer: January 1865; Robert E. Lee

Explanation: The position of General in Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States was established on January 23, 1865, with General Robert E. Lee serving in this capacity until the war's end.

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Personnel, Appointments, and Backgrounds

Jefferson Davis demonstrated a preference for appointing individuals with prior experience in the Mexican-American War or those who graduated from the United States Military Academy to general officer positions.

Answer: True

Explanation: President Davis highly valued military experience and formal training, frequently prioritizing graduates of the U.S. Military Academy and veterans of the Mexican-American War for leadership roles.

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Samuel Cooper served continuously as the Adjutant General and Inspector General for the Confederate Army throughout the duration of the Civil War.

Answer: True

Explanation: Samuel Cooper maintained the crucial positions of Adjutant General and Inspector General for the Confederate Army for the entirety of the Civil War, leveraging his extensive prior service in the U.S. Army.

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Richard Taylor, Wade Hampton III, and Nathan Bedford Forrest represented notable exceptions to the prevalent background of U.S. Military Academy graduates and prior U.S. Army service among Confederate lieutenant generals.

Answer: True

Explanation: Among Confederate lieutenant generals, Richard Taylor, Wade Hampton III, and Nathan Bedford Forrest stood out as exceptions, not sharing the common background of U.S. Military Academy education or previous service in the United States Army.

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Jefferson Davis had no role in determining the seniority of officers appointed to the same general grade on the same day.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jefferson Davis played a direct role in determining the dates of rank and seniority for officers appointed to the same general grade on the same day, adhering to established guidelines.

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Richard H. Anderson was appointed a 'temporary' lieutenant general and given command of the Second Corps in the Army of Northern Virginia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Richard H. Anderson was appointed a 'temporary' lieutenant general, but he was given command of the First Corps, not the Second Corps, in the Army of Northern Virginia.

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Joseph E. Johnston did not resent Samuel Cooper's high rank because Cooper was a combat veteran.

Answer: False

Explanation: Joseph E. Johnston harbored resentment towards Samuel Cooper's rank, partly because Cooper, a staff officer, outranked Johnston despite not having combat experience, which Johnston found objectionable.

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Which group did Jefferson Davis particularly value for general officer positions due to their experience and training?

Answer: Graduates of West Point and veterans of the Mexican-American War

Explanation: President Jefferson Davis placed significant value on military expertise, preferring to appoint individuals who were graduates of the United States Military Academy or had served as veterans of the Mexican-American War.

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Who served as the Adjutant General and Inspector General for the Confederate Army throughout the entire Civil War?

Answer: Samuel Cooper

Explanation: Samuel Cooper held the crucial positions of Adjutant General and Inspector General for the Confederate Army for the duration of the Civil War.

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How were the dates of rank and seniority determined for Confederate officers appointed to the same general grade on the same day?

Answer: Determined by Jefferson Davis

Explanation: Jefferson Davis was responsible for determining the dates of rank and seniority for officers appointed to the same general grade on the same day.

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Which three Confederate lieutenant generals were noted exceptions to the typical background of U.S. Military Academy graduates and former U.S. Army officers?

Answer: Richard Taylor, Wade Hampton III, and Nathan Bedford Forrest

Explanation: Richard Taylor, Wade Hampton III, and Nathan Bedford Forrest were notable exceptions among Confederate lieutenant generals, as they did not share the common background of graduating from the U.S. Military Academy or having prior service in the U.S. Army.

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Who was appointed as a 'temporary' lieutenant general on May 31, 1864, and given command of the First Corps in the Army of Northern Virginia?

Answer: Richard H. Anderson

Explanation: Richard H. Anderson received the appointment of 'temporary' lieutenant general on May 31, 1864, and was subsequently assigned command of the First Corps in the Army of Northern Virginia.

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Which of the following was NOT among the first five officers appointed to the rank of general in the Confederate States Army?

Answer: Stonewall Jackson

Explanation: While Samuel Cooper, Robert E. Lee, and Joseph E. Johnston were among the first five appointed generals, Stonewall Jackson was not part of this initial group.

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Why did Joseph E. Johnston feel resentment regarding his seniority and rank compared to Samuel Cooper?

Answer: Cooper, a staff officer, outranked Johnston despite not seeing combat.

Explanation: Joseph E. Johnston's resentment stemmed from Samuel Cooper, a staff officer, outranking him despite lacking combat experience, and from President Davis's perceived prioritization of staff officers over line officers in establishing seniority.

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Who is widely considered the most famous Confederate commander after General Robert E. Lee?

Answer: Stonewall Jackson

Explanation: General Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson is broadly recognized as the most celebrated Confederate commander following General Robert E. Lee, renowned for his tactical acumen.

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Administrative and Material Aspects

Initially, the Confederate Army authorized only the Adjutant General and Quartermaster General as general staff positions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial general staff authorized on February 27, 1861, included four positions: Adjutant General, Quartermaster General, Commissary General, and Surgeon General.

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Legislation in May 1864 allowed President Davis to appoint 'permanent' generals to lead non-permanent commands in the PACS.

Answer: False

Explanation: The May 1864 legislation permitted the appointment of 'temporary' generals, not 'permanent' ones, to lead non-permanent commands within the Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS).

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Which of the following was NOT one of the initial four general staff positions authorized for the Confederate Army?

Answer: Chief of Staff

Explanation: The initial general staff authorized in February 1861 included the Adjutant General, Quartermaster General, and Commissary General, but not a Chief of Staff.

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What was the purpose of the Confederate Congress's legislation in May 1864 regarding generals?

Answer: To allow the appointment of 'temporary' generals in the PACS

Explanation: The legislation enacted by the Confederate Congress in May 1864 provided for the appointment of 'temporary' generals within the Provisional Army of the Confederate States (PACS) to lead non-permanent commands.

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What did the source indicate about the uniform insignia worn by most Confederate generals?

Answer: All generals wore the same insignia, with few exceptions.

Explanation: Generally, Confederate generals wore uniform insignia that was consistent across different ranks, with notable exceptions such as Robert E. Lee and Joseph E. Johnston.

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According to the source, what distinguishing feature was present on the buttons of all general officers' uniforms?

Answer: An eagle insignia

Explanation: The buttons on the uniforms of all Confederate general officers featured an eagle insignia, serving as a distinguishing mark.

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What did Robert E. Lee uniquely choose to wear as his uniform insignia throughout the war?

Answer: The insignia of a Confederate colonel

Explanation: Throughout the war, General Robert E. Lee notably chose to wear the insignia of a Confederate colonel on his uniform, deviating from the standard general officer insignia.

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How did the monthly pay for a brigadier general on March 6, 1861, compare to that of a general leading an army in the field by June 10, 1864?

Answer: The general leading an army received significantly more pay.

Explanation: By June 10, 1864, a general leading an army in the field received substantially higher monthly pay ($1000 CSD total) compared to a brigadier general's pay ($301 CSD) on March 6, 1861.

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End of War, Legacy, and Comparisons

General Stonewall Jackson succumbed to pneumonia following a wound sustained from friendly fire.

Answer: True

Explanation: The death of General Stonewall Jackson was attributed to pneumonia, which developed subsequent to a mortal wound inflicted by friendly fire during the Battle of Chancellorsville.

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The four-grade general officer rank structure utilized by the Confederate States Army remains in use by the United States Army today.

Answer: True

Explanation: The hierarchical structure of four general officer grades—brigadier general, major general, lieutenant general, and general—established by the Confederate States Army is identical to the rank structure currently employed by the United States Army.

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The rank of brigadier general in the Confederate States Army was considered lower than the equivalent rank in the modern U.S. Army.

Answer: False

Explanation: The rank of brigadier general in the Confederate States Army held an equivalent standing to the rank of brigadier general in the modern U.S. Army.

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Regarding general officers killed in combat, how did the casualty rate compare between the Confederate States Army and the United States Army?

Answer: The Confederacy experienced a significantly higher casualty rate among its generals than the U.S. Army.

Explanation: The Confederate States Army sustained a considerably higher casualty rate among its general officers killed in combat compared to the United States Army, with estimates suggesting a ratio of approximately 5-to-1 for the Confederacy versus 12-to-1 for the Union.

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What challenge did the Confederacy face regarding its generals, particularly towards the end of the war?

Answer: Difficulty replacing generals, leading to promotions beyond capability.

Explanation: Towards the conclusion of the war, the Confederacy encountered significant difficulties in replacing fallen or incapacitated generals, often resulting in promotions that exceeded individuals' capabilities due to the depleted pool of experienced officers.

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