Final answer:
Gen. Ulysses S. Grant captured Vicksburg through a protracted siege that cut off supplies and caused starvation among the defenders, leading to their surrender. Vicksburg's strategic location was crucial for control over the Mississippi River and dividing the Confederacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was able to capture Vicksburg, Mississippi, largely due to the successful siege warfare he employed. Grant, with support from the Union Navy, decided to lay siege to Vicksburg after previous assault attempts failed. The siege involved digging trench works, surrounding the city, blockading it, and cutting off supplies, which eventually led to starvation among the Confederate defenders, forcing them to surrender.
Vicksburg's geographic significance made it a critical component to control the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy. Grant's persistent effort and strategic use of siege tactics resulted in a significant Union victory that impacted the course of the Civil War. This victory at Vicksburg not only marked a turning point in the Western Theatre but also brought Grant to the attention of President Lincoln, who was searching for an able military leader.