(A) ** taking control over the Mississippi River
(B) waging war on open battlefields
(C) invading the Confederacy from the south and west
(D) gaining control of border states and important rivers
EXPLANATIONS BELOW
Concept note-1: -The Union tried to take over the Mississippi river in the Western part of the United States. They did this because they knew that controlling the river would split the Confederacy into half and make it easier to defeat.
Concept note-2: -The goal of the Union’s western campaign was to gain control of the Mississippi River. The Union victory in the Siege of Vicksburg helped the Union accomplish the goal.
Concept note-3: -By having control of the river, Union forces would split the Confederacy in two and control an important route to move men and supplies. The last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River was the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Concept note-4: -The Union war effort expanded to include not only reunification, but also the abolition of slavery. To achieve emancipation, the Union had to invade the South, defeat the Confederate armies, and occupy the Southern territory.
Concept note-5: -With the loss of Confederate general John C. Pemberton’s army after the siege at Vicksburg and a Union victory at Port Hudson five days later, the Union controlled the entire Mississippi River and the Confederacy was split in half.