Question

How did the siege of Vicksburg fit into the overall Union war strategy?

1) Control of the area would divide the South from critical supply lines.
2) Control of the Southern capital would undermine their government.
3) It was a defensive plan aimed to maintain control of federal forts.
4) It used mostly African American troops to demoralize the South.

Answer 1

The siege of Vicksburg was an important part of the Union war strategy. It aimed to control critical supply lines, maintain control of federal forts, and was executed by a larger Union force. The correct options are 1 and 3.

Step-by-step explanation:

The siege of Vicksburg fit into the overall Union war strategy in several ways:

1. Control of the area would divide the South from critical supply lines. Situated on the Mississippi River, Vicksburg held strategic importance as it allowed whoever controlled it to control traffic on the river. Taking Vicksburg was essential to splitting the Confederacy in half, which was a crucial step for the Union to win the war.
2. It was a defensive plan aimed to maintain control of federal forts. After several failed attempts to take Vicksburg, Union General Grant decided to lay siege to the city. Despite the drawbacks of siege warfare, Grant felt it was the only choice and believed a well-conducted siege could lead to the fall of Vicksburg with little loss of life.
3. It was not primarily dependent on African American troops to demoralize the South. While the Union had incorporated African American troops into their ranks, the siege of Vicksburg was not mainly dependent on them. It was a strategic plan executed by a larger Union force under the command of General Grant.

Hence, Options 1 and 3 are correct.