What led the Union to attack Sabine Pass?(1 point)
Responses
to prevent the Confederates from trading with Mexico
to prevent the Confederates from trading with Mexico
to prevent Texas from seceding
to prevent Texas from seceding
to avoid admitting defeat
The Union attacked Sabine Pass during the American Civil War primarily to gain access into Texas. They hoped to stop the flow of supplies and reinforcements to Confederate forces and to interrupt any Confederate trade that might be happening with foreign entities, such as Mexico, which, although not the central aim, would be a consequence of Union control over this important strategic point.
The other options mentioned:
- Texas had already seceded from the Union at the time of the attack on Sabine Pass. It was one of the original seven states to secede and join the Confederate States of America in early 1861.
- Avoiding admitting defeat wasn't a specific strategic aim of the attack on Sabine Pass, but rather a broader sentiment that could apply to many engagements during the war as the Union sought to press their campaign in various theaters of the conflict.
Therefore, the most fitting rationale for the Union attacking Sabine Pass would be to gain a strategic foothold in Texas and disrupt Confederate supply lines.