Final answer:
New Orleans was a crucial target for Union forces because of its strategic position at the mouth of the Mississippi River, its role as a major center for trade and transportation, and its significant contribution to the Confederate economy. The correct answer is option is C. It was a major center for trade and transports.
Step-by-step explanation:
New Orleans was a desirable target for Union forces for several reasons. Its strategic location near the mouth of the Mississippi River made it a key point for control over maritime routes and river traffic. This aspect is crucial because the river was a major artery for the transport and shipment of goods, including the profitable cotton that was central to the Southern economy.
Moreover, New Orleans served as a significant center for trade and transportation, with its port facilities being the busiest and most important in the Confederacy. The city was a hub from which agricultural products from the Southern states were exported, and various goods and supplies were imported, making it vital for the South's economic sustainability.
The capture of New Orleans would not only deal a severe blow to the Confederate economy and trade but also give the Union forces control over a critical part of the Mississippi River, thereby splitting the Confederacy and undermining its ability to sustain itself.