Jackson Quiz 7: Chapters 7-9

Question 1

not allowing entrance or passage; impenetrable

Answer 1

impervious

Question 2

a quick and cheerful readiness to do something

Answer 2

alacrity

Question 3

flagrantly wicked or impious

Answer 3

nefarious

Question 4

diligence

Answer 4

assiduity

Question 5

having or showing good judgement

Answer 5

judicious

Question 6

an opinion or idea formed without proof or sufficient evidence

Answer 6

conjecture

Question 7

continuing without stopping; not stopping

Answer 7

incessant

Question 8

a slope that runs downward from a fortification

Answer 8

glacis

Question 9

vexed or irritated greatly

Answer 9

galled

Question 10

sexually immoral or offensive

Answer 10

licentious

Question 11

What is martial law, and why did Jackson put New Orleans under it?

Answer 11

Martial law is the law administered by military forces that is invoked by a government in an emergency when the civilian law enforcement agencies are unable to maintain public order and safety. Jackson put New Orleans under martial law because he believed that there were too many subversive individuals in the city to keep it safe during the course of an anticipated attack. Most of the settlers were Spanish or French and may not have had too much patriotism toward the United States.

Question 12

Although the Americans had very decided advantages, at the end of the night (on December 23) Jackson chose not to pursue and conquer the enemy. How did he come to this difficult conclusion?

Answer 12

Jackson believed that since the British had vastly superior numbers, that another attack in daylight could prove fatal to the Americans. Moreover, he found it more important that the city of New Orleans be protected and not fall into the hands of the opposition.

Question 13

According to the text, what were the distinguishing traits in the character of General Jackson as a military commander?

Answer 13

Clear-headed sagacity, promptness of decision, and rapidity of execution.

Question 14

What did Jackson mean when he said, “the surest defence, and one which seldom failed of success, was a rampart of high-minded and brave men.”?

Answer 14

Good men are a greater guarantee for success than any fortification one could build with hands.

Question 15

What was the author implying when he stated that the general “seldom slept: he was always at his post, performing the duties of both general and soldier”?

Answer 15

He was implying that Jackson set a personal example of diligence and his constant presence imbued the men with confidence.

Question 16

Chapters 7-9 deal with the strategic actions taken by Jackson in order to defend New Orleans. Carefully explain why the American were able to defeat a much larger and superior British army.

Answer 16

The most significant factor was that Jackson had carefully selected the battlefield and built entrenchments that were very difficult to assault. He, of course, gave the credit to the valiant men who served under his command. He was also careful to keep treason from undermining his efforts, and made strategic decisions to not pursue and conquer when the odds were not in his favor.