The main reason why the US joined the war was because multiple attack on passenger and merchant ships with submarine attacks .The final straw was when the RMS Lusitania by a German u-boat going to Liverpool England .
It gave veterans on active duty on September 11, 2001 or after greater educational benefits. In addition, it allows them to transfer unused educational benefits to their spouse or kids.
The union attempted to blockade other southern states. By doing this the union thought they could cause the economy of the confederate states to collapse