16.3 - War in the West

Why did the Union want to take control of the Mississippi River?

To cut off the Eastern Confederate States from the rest of the South.

Battle of Shiloh

(a) two-day battle (b) Grant stopped in Shiloh to wait for the Army of Ohio (c) Johnston–Confederate general–was killed on first day (d) Union forces arrived to help Grant regain territory and push Confederates back into Mississippi (e) Bloody battle – both sides claimed victory but the victor was Grant – both sides had about 10,000 casualties (f) The Union gained greater control of the Mississippi River valley.

Why did the Union navy blast its way up the Mississippi River?

To meet Grant.

What did Farragut do to leave his fleet unharmed?

He camouflaged the ships.

The Siege of Vicksburg

(a) Vicksburg was the last major port on the river held by the South (b) The city’s location on a high cliff made invasion all but impossible (c) Union navy cannons couldn’t reach the city (d) Vicksburg was held by General (e) John Pemberton with 18,000 soldiers (f) Grant with 35,000 men under his command surrounded the city, cut off their supplies and continually shelled them (g) The Confederates ran out of food and became sick—so they surrendered on July 4, 1863 (h) This victory gave the Union control of the Mississippi River which cut off a vital supply line for the South and cut the Confederacy in two.