Question

What was the Confederate goal in the western theater during the Civil War?

to make up for losses in the East
to gain a victory on Union soil
to invade the North from the West
to maintain control of key rivers

Answer 1

to maintain control of key rivers

Answer 2

to maintain control of key rivers

If the union were to obtain command of the rivers they have tried to divide the confederation and it would be more troublesome for the confederacy to collect and send commodities. By having control of the river, Union troops would divide the Confederacy in two and command an extensive way to stimulate the movement of individuals and supplies.