- The Mississippi River was the Confederacy’s main artery for transporting troops and supplies.
- Vicksburg was the last major Confederate stronghold on the river.
- Its fall would split the Confederacy in two and make it much more difficult for the South to transport supplies and troops.
2. Boost Morale.
- After a string of defeats, a Northern victory at Vicksburg would improve morale and strengthen support for the war effort.
3. Control the Mississippi River.
- Controlling the Mississippi River would allow the North to:
- Cut off supplies to Confederate armies in the West.
- Invade the South from multiple directions.
- Transport troops and supplies more easily.
4. Gain an Economic Advantage.
- Controlling the Mississippi River would allow the North to dominate trade and commerce in the region, further weakening the Southern economy.