Why was control of the Mississippi River an important goal of the Union strategy in the West? (1 point) Responses The Union army could use the Mississippi for training purposes. The Union army could use the Mississippi for training purposes. The Mississippi River was key to connecting railroad system in the west to the industrial South. The Mississippi River was key to connecting railroad system in the west to the industrial South. The Confederacy would not be able to split Union forces if they lost control of the river. The Confederacy would not be able to split Union forces if they lost control of the river. Confederacy could no longer use the Mississippi River to carry its goods to sea or use it to supply troops

, while the Union could use it to transport troops, supplies, and resources. Additionally, controlling the Mississippi River would cut off Confederate supply lines and hinder their ability to move troops and resources. It would also prevent the Confederacy from being able to easily communicate and coordinate between their western and eastern territories. Ultimately, control of the Mississippi River was crucial to the Union strategy in the West as it would give them a significant advantage in the war effort.