Why did the Union decide to blockade Savannah?
The Union decided to blockade Savannah as part of its overall military strategy during the American Civil War. Several reasons informed this decision:
1. Economic importance: Savannah was a crucial seaport and industrial center for the Confederacy. It played a significant role in exporting cotton and importing essential supplies from Europe. Blockading the city would disrupt Confederate trade and weaken their economy.
2. Cutting off supplies: By establishing a blockade around Savannah, the Union aimed to cut off the flow of supplies, ammunition, and reinforcements to Confederate forces in the region. This would put pressure on the Confederacy and limit their ability to sustain their military operations.
3. Striking at morale: Savannah was an important symbol of Confederate pride and strength. Capturing or blockading the city would have a demoralizing effect on the Confederate population, potentially undermining their support for the war effort.
4. Strategic positioning: Controlling Savannah would provide the Union with a base for further military operations in the region, particularly in the campaign to capture the Confederate stronghold of Charleston, South Carolina.
Overall, the blockade of Savannah served multiple strategic objectives for the Union, including economic disruption, cutting off supplies, and striking at Confederate morale.