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The Mississippi River (from Native American languages meaning Father of Waters/Great Water) split the confederacy between East and West. The major port of New Orleans was on the West, and the major port of Vicksburg was on the East. Taking over these two ports was key to the Union strategy.

The Mississippi River, which is the largest river in North America and the third largest river in the world, flows from north to south. In the 1860s this would have led to a huge advantage for the north, as it would have been easier to sent troops down river than up river.

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Alyce Corkery

Lvl 13
3y ago

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