Georgia During the Civil War
Why did the Union decide to blockade Savannah?
The Union decided to blockade Savannah for several reasons:
1. Economic impact: Savannah was one of the major ports in the South, and by blockading it, the Union aimed to disrupt Confederate trade and weaken their economy. Cutting off the flow of goods and supplies to the Confederacy was a crucial part of the Union's strategy to win the war.
2. Anaconda Plan: The Union's overall military strategy, known as the Anaconda Plan, aimed to encircle and suffocate the Confederacy. The plan called for a naval blockade of Confederate ports, including Savannah, to prevent the import and export of goods and resources, thereby isolating the Confederacy and weakening its ability to sustain a war effort.
3. Military focus: Savannah served as a vital military transportation hub, with rail lines connecting it to other parts of Georgia. By blockading the port, the Union sought to disrupt Confederate military operations and prevent the transportation of troops, supplies, and weaponry.
4. Geographic advantage: Savannah's location on the Atlantic coast made it an ideal target for the Union to implement a naval blockade. Its proximity to the sea allowed Union ships to efficiently patrol the area and prevent Confederate vessels from entering or leaving the port.
Overall, the Union decided to blockade Savannah as part of its broader strategy to cripple the Confederate economy, undermine its military operations, and ultimately hasten the end of the Civil War.