union military strategy

Question 1

attritional vs annaconda

Answer 1

Proposed by General Winfield Scott:

The Anaconda Plan was one of the earliest strategic frameworks devised by the Union. It aimed to suffocate the Confederacy’s resources and ability to wage war. example being Chansorlorsville may 1863

proposed by grant

attrtitional war example being the wilderness campaign may 1864 advanced on Richmond and Shermans march through Georgia Dec 1864 to break morale

annaconda plan works in the west but not in the east
after 1864 although attrition was used and succefull it was costly as cold habour 7000 deaths in 20 mins on other hand doesnt really matter as they had many people to replace the deaths and money

shelby foot “Fought war with hand behind back”

Question 2

hindering resources and trade

Answer 2

The Union Navy implemented a blockade of Southern ports to prevent the export of cotton and the import of war supplies. This blockade, over time, severely restricted the South’s trade and access to essential goods.

Capturing the Mississippi River was a central element of the Anaconda Plan. By controlling the river, the Union could split the Confederacy in two, disrupting internal communication and transportation. The capture of Vicksburg in 1863 was a pivotal moment in achieving this goal.

Question 3

naval

Answer 3

Union Navy:

The Union’s naval superiority allowed it to enforce the blockade effectively and control key waterways. The blockade not only restricted Confederate trade but also supported amphibious operations and coastal assaults.

Ironclad Ships:

The introduction of ironclad warships, such as the USS Monitor, gave the Union a significant advantage in naval battles and in maintaining the blockade against Confederate attempts to break it.

Naval Blockade:

The Union Navy implemented a blockade of Southern ports to prevent the export of cotton and the import of war supplies. This blockade, over time, severely restricted the South’s trade and access to essential goods.

Question 4

leadership

Answer 4

Lincoln’s Leadership:

President Lincoln’s leadership was pivotal in maintaining public support for the war, navigating political challenges, and making crucial strategic decisions. His ability to communicate the war’s purposes and his steadfast commitment to preserving the Union were key to the North’s success.
Military Leadership:

Key military leaders, such as Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman, George Meade, and David Farragut, played crucial roles in executing Union strategy. Their effectiveness in command and their ability to coordinate complex operations were vital to the Union’s victory.

Question 5

conclusion

Answer 5

The Union’s strategy during the Civil War was comprehensive and multifaceted, leveraging its superior resources, industrial capacity, and population. The combination of the Anaconda Plan, total war tactics, coordinated military offensives, technological and logistical advantages, naval power, and effective leadership allowed the North to gradually wear down the Confederate war effort and to achieve victory