Geographical Significance: The border states, including Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri, were located along the border between the Northern and Southern states. Controlling these states was crucial for the Union to maintain its access to the Mississippi River and the West, as well as to prevent the Confederacy from expanding its territory.
Economic Factors: The border states were economically important to both sides. They were major producers of agricultural products, such as tobacco and hemp, and also served as transportation hubs for trade and commerce. Controlling these states allowed the Union to maintain its economic strength and disrupt the South's economy.
Political Considerations: The border states had a significant number of pro-Union citizens, and they were often politically divided. The Union recognized that winning over the border states would help to strengthen their political support and legitimize their cause. If the border states had seceded, the Union would have been surrounded by hostile territories, making it more challenging to prosecute the war.
Influence on Other Southern States: Keeping the border states in the Union could potentially influence the loyalties of other Southern states. If the Union could demonstrate its ability to retain these states, it might encourage other Southern states to reconsider secession.
Securing Washington D.C. The border states of Maryland and Delaware were geographically close to the nation's capital, Washington D.C. Maintaining control over these states helped to protect the seat of the federal government and ensure its security.
By winning the border states, the Union sought to strengthen its military position, bolster its economy, enhance its political legitimacy, and potentially reduce the number of Confederate states. These factors made the border states crucial to the Union's overall strategy and success during the Civil War.