Why was control of the Mississippi River so vital to the US?

Answer 1

By controlling the Mississippi River during the US Civil War, the Union believed that cargo from Northern cites would be able to transport goods on the Union controlled Mississippi River. Also, having Union army forces on the western border of the Confederacy would strike a blow to Southern trade and also allow the Union to plan attacks on the South's western frontiers.

Answer 2

The Union army was intent on gaining control of the Mississippi River in order to divide the Confederacy and weaken its economy. Taking control of the Mississippi prevented the western Confederate states of Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana from providing men and material for the Confederate army. The river was also the primary shipping lane for the western Confederacy, which made it vital for the Confederate economy. By capturing it, the Union prevented the Confederates from shipping goods between states and to overseas markets.

As events turned out, only a long siege would force Vicksburg to surrender.

Answer 3

During the Civil War era, major waterways such as the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers were major trade and transportation arteries much like the Interstate Highways of today. The North wanted to deny the use of these rivers to the Confederacy to keep the flow of goods from states like Texas and Arkansas from getting to the East, especially in the case of the Mississippi River. Union control of these waterways would also curtail the rebels ability to transport men and supplies quickly.

Answer 4

The Union's intent on controlling the city-fortress of Vicksburg and thereby having complete control of the Mississippi River did not hurt the South militarily or logistically. Union commerce on the river was very light, cargo ships using the river never came close to the tonnage shipped in 1860.From a military point of view, the South was not damaged. If Vicksburg had been easily captured by the Union's first attempt, it never would have been such a strong focus of attention.

If the South believed it had to defend Vicksburg at any cost, it would have. Because of the many failed attempts to capture the city, when it finally did so, it became a Propaganda victory.

The key city on the Mississippi River was New Orleans which fell in the Spring of 1862.

There is no evidence of any major planned military operations by the South that required that they controlled Vicksburg.

Answer 5

With control of the river, Union ships on the Mississippi could prevent the states of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas from supplying the rest of the Confederacy.

Answer 6

AnswerThey wanted it because it blocked the trade route to the north. It was one of the Union's most important objectives.

Answer 7

The Mississippi was too huge for the Union so they didnt want to control it!

Answer 8

Because it was (and still is) a major navigable waterway, vital to regional commerce and economics.

Answer 9

It was critical because they could stop the flow of supplies into the south