OCS MILITARY HISTORY ACTUAL EXAM
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
◉ What was the aim and strategy for the U.S. declaring war on Mexico?
Answer: Aim - to seize all land north of the Rio Grande and Gila River
and west to the Pacific Ocean
Strategy - multiple offensives to seize land and drive out Mexican threat.
Small, motivated U.S. forces and artillery advantage
◉ What problems occurred during Taylor's Monterrey campaign?
Answer: Transportation was lacking, people became sick, and poor roads
slowed movement
◉ What led to success during Taylor's Monterrey campaign? Answer:
Taylor had plenty of volunteers and soldiers, did recon, had a 2-prong
attack and used artillery. He agreed to the Mexican surrender and dis-
armament.
◉ What happened to the Mexican army after the Monterrey campaign
and what was President Polk's reaction? Answer: The Mexican army was
disarmed after they surrendered. President Polk was thankful for
allowing the troops to live but disliked the disarmament.
, ◉ What factors led to Taylor's success against Santa Ana at Buena
Vista? Answer: Good recon and early detection of the enemy. He massed
military power and used terrain well for the artillery. He also used
multiple forces infantry, long range rifles, cavalry, mobile artillery.
◉ What factors led to Winfield Scott's successful Mexico City
campaign? Answer: The use of thorough reconnaissance of the enemy
positions and terrain. The use of surprise and night movement.
◉ What did Winfield Scott do to create a successful peace with Mexico?
Answer: Efficient and respectful relationship with the Mexican
population. Created a favorable treaty to divert from a continuing war.
◉ What was the Anaconda Plan and what was its impact during the Civil
War? Answer: The plan was to have a naval blockade on the
Confederacy. It became more effective as the war continued.
◉ What impacts did technology have on the operational and tactical
levels of war during the Civil War? Answer: Railroad- faster troop and
materials movement
Telegraph- faster and farther communications for coordination.
Rifled breech loaded arms- better accuracy, slower loading, more
expense
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
◉ What was the aim and strategy for the U.S. declaring war on Mexico?
Answer: Aim - to seize all land north of the Rio Grande and Gila River
and west to the Pacific Ocean
Strategy - multiple offensives to seize land and drive out Mexican threat.
Small, motivated U.S. forces and artillery advantage
◉ What problems occurred during Taylor's Monterrey campaign?
Answer: Transportation was lacking, people became sick, and poor roads
slowed movement
◉ What led to success during Taylor's Monterrey campaign? Answer:
Taylor had plenty of volunteers and soldiers, did recon, had a 2-prong
attack and used artillery. He agreed to the Mexican surrender and dis-
armament.
◉ What happened to the Mexican army after the Monterrey campaign
and what was President Polk's reaction? Answer: The Mexican army was
disarmed after they surrendered. President Polk was thankful for
allowing the troops to live but disliked the disarmament.
, ◉ What factors led to Taylor's success against Santa Ana at Buena
Vista? Answer: Good recon and early detection of the enemy. He massed
military power and used terrain well for the artillery. He also used
multiple forces infantry, long range rifles, cavalry, mobile artillery.
◉ What factors led to Winfield Scott's successful Mexico City
campaign? Answer: The use of thorough reconnaissance of the enemy
positions and terrain. The use of surprise and night movement.
◉ What did Winfield Scott do to create a successful peace with Mexico?
Answer: Efficient and respectful relationship with the Mexican
population. Created a favorable treaty to divert from a continuing war.
◉ What was the Anaconda Plan and what was its impact during the Civil
War? Answer: The plan was to have a naval blockade on the
Confederacy. It became more effective as the war continued.
◉ What impacts did technology have on the operational and tactical
levels of war during the Civil War? Answer: Railroad- faster troop and
materials movement
Telegraph- faster and farther communications for coordination.
Rifled breech loaded arms- better accuracy, slower loading, more
expense
