1. Control of the Mississippi River: The Union launched a series of campaigns to gain control of the Mississippi River, which was a vital transportation route for the Confederacy. Control of the river would split the Confederacy in two, making it more difficult for the Southern states to communicate and transport supplies.
2. Divide the Confederacy: By gaining control of the Mississippi River and pushing into the Confederate heartland in the West, the Union hoped to divide the Confederacy into two separate regions. This would make it more difficult for the Confederacy to coordinate its military efforts and would weaken its overall strength.
3. Capture Key Cities: The Union also sought to capture key cities in the West, such as Vicksburg and Memphis. These cities were important transportation hubs and supply centers, and their capture would further weaken the Confederacy's ability to wage war.
4. Enlist Support from Western States: The Union hoped to enlist the support of the western states, which were generally more populous and economically developed than the Southern states. By winning victories in the West and demonstrating the strength of the Union, the Union hoped to encourage these states to remain loyal to the Union and not join the Confederacy.
5. Disrupt Confederate Trade Routes: The Union also hoped to disrupt the Confederate trade routes with Europe and Mexico by blockading ports and raiding Confederate shipping. This would further weaken the Confederate economy and make it more difficult for the Confederacy to obtain supplies.
6. Gain Support from Native Americans: The Union also attempted to gain the support of Native American tribes in the West by promising them land and other concessions in exchange for their loyalty. This would further weaken the Confederacy's position in the West and provide the Union with additional military support.
Overall, the Union's goals in the West during Civil War were to gain control of strategic territory, disrupt Confederate supply lines, and weaken the Confederacy's ability to wage war. By achieving these objectives, the Union hoped to hasten the end of the conflict and secure its victory.