DSST Civil War case studies
DSST Civil War · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The DSST The Civil War and Reconstruction exam is a standardized, credit-by-examination test in the Social Sciences category. DSST describes its scope simply: "The Civil War from pre-secession (1861) through Reconstruction." A passing score is worth 3 baccalaureate credits at institutions that recognize DSST, and the program states that "Over 1,500 colleges and universities recognize the DSST program and award college credit for passing scores." The exam is aimed at students and adults, including active-duty service members and veterans, who already know the material and want to earn college credit without sitting the equivalent course. The DSST Civil War case studies are 5 cases and about 3,415 words.
1Fort Sumter and the Border-State Dilemma, March 1861
In March 1861 you are a junior cabinet adviser asked to rank the options for Fort Sumter. Major Robert Anderson holds the fort with roughly 85 soldiers; food and fuel will last only to mid-April.
557 words, about 3 min2Contraband Policy in Kentucky, September 1862
You are adjutant to a Union department commander in northern Kentucky. More than 200 enslaved people have crossed into your lines, including several who say they were leased to Confederate units as cooks and teamsters.
720 words, about 4 min3Enforcing the Draft in New York City, July 1863
July 1863, New York City. You are the district provost marshal enforcing the Enrollment Act.
713 words, about 4 min4The 1864 Election and the Atlanta Campaign
Lincoln believes he will lose; even his own party’s radicals are restless. The Democratic platform calls the war a failure, and McClellan is the nominee.
721 words, about 4 min5Implementing the Reconstruction Acts in a Military District, June 1867
You command a military district under the Reconstruction Acts. You must register voters for a constitutional convention.
704 words, about 4 min