Why was new Orleans strategically important during times of war?

Answer 1

The British colonies in America were expanding westward during the early 18th century, and following the Revolutionary War the frontier became farther removed from the Atlantic coast.

Thomas Jefferson recognized that maintaining trade with these regions depended on the Ohio River and the Mississippi River, which led to the Gulf of Mexico. If a foreign power controlled New Orleans, that trade could be impeded, as it was briefly during the rule of Louisiana by Spain. To prevent this, Jefferson offered to buy New Orleans from France, ultimately leading to the vast Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Answer 2

Union General Winfield Scott devised the "Anaconda Plan" for defeating the Confederacy. Scott called for the blockade of the Southern coast as well as the capture of the Mississippi River. The blockade was designed to split the Confederacy in two and prevent supplies from moving east and west. The first step to securing the Mississippi was the capture of New Orleans. The Confederacy's largest city and busiest port, New Orleans was defended by two large forts, Jackson and St. Philip, situated on the river below the city.

Answer 3

It was a good port for imports and exports.

Answer 4

it proved Americans could stand up for themselves

Answer 5

At New Orleans, one could control trade between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.