- Union forces aimed to gain control of the Mississippi River and its tributaries to split the Confederacy and disrupt Southern supply lines.
- The capture of New Orleans in April 1862 and the victories at Forts Henry and Donelson in February 1862 were crucial in securing the upper Mississippi River.
- Admiral David Farragut's successful passage of Confederate forts on the Mississippi River in April 1862 further weakened Confederate control over the river.
2. Controlling Key Transportation Hubs:
- The Union sought to seize important transportation hubs like Memphis, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga to cut off Confederate supply routes and isolate Confederate armies.
- The capture of Memphis in June 1862 and Vicksburg in July 1863 gave the Union control over the entire Mississippi River.
- The Battle of Chattanooga in November 1863 was a significant Union victory that secured control of Tennessee and opened the path for further advances into Georgia and the Carolinas.
3. Engaging in Guerrilla Warfare and Raids:
- Union forces conducted guerrilla warfare tactics and raids against Confederate supply lines and resources in the West.
- Union cavalry units, like those led by generals William T. Sherman, James H. Wilson, and Benjamin Grierson, conducted bold raids deep into Confederate territory, disrupting Confederate supply lines and infrastructure.
- These raids further weakened the Confederate armies and demoralized the civilian population.
4. Establishing a Strong Naval Presence:
- The Union Navy played a crucial role in controlling the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
- Union gunboats and ironclads provided support for land operations, bombarded Confederate positions, and disrupted Confederate shipping.
- The naval victories at Memphis, Vicksburg, and New Orleans were critical in cutting off Confederate supply lines and isolating Confederate forces.
5. Exploiting Confederate Weaknesses:
- The Union was aware of the Confederacy's limited resources and manpower, particularly in the Western theater.
- Union generals like Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman, and George H. Thomas exploited these weaknesses by launching aggressive campaigns and engaging in decisive battles that resulted in heavy Confederate losses.
- Union forces also sought to capitalize on the divisions and conflicts within the Confederate leadership and population.
6. Building and Maintaining Supply Lines:
- The Union recognized the importance of maintaining reliable supply lines to support its armies in the West.
- Union forces established supply depots, constructed railroads, and used steamboats to transport troops and supplies.
- The Union's superior transportation infrastructure gave it a significant advantage over the Confederacy in terms of logistics and mobility.
7. Coordinating with Eastern Theater Operations:
- Union commanders in the West coordinated their strategies with those in the Eastern theater to exert maximum pressure on the Confederacy.
- The Western armies aimed to relieve pressure on the Eastern armies by drawing Confederate forces away from Virginia.
- The coordinated efforts of Union armies on multiple fronts contributed to the eventual collapse of the Confederacy.