USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Vicksburg National Military Park The Confederate defeat at Vicksburg, and a second Union victory downriver at Port Hudson, Louisiana, ensured that the Union would have complete control of the Mississippi River. Lincoln reportedly referred to the successful Vicksburg campaign as “the key to the war."

Detailed explanation-2: -Grant marched towards the final goal of his campaign: Vicksburg. Taking this Southern stronghold would allow the Union to control the Mississippi River and boost Northern morale. After a series of battles, Grant’s troops forced General Pemberton’s Confederate army to retreat into the defenses surrounding Vicksburg.

Detailed explanation-3: -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.