Why was the Union military interested in controlling Louisiana during the Civil War? A.)They would have a plentiful food supply
from fishing the Gulf of Mexico on Louisiana's lengthy shoreline. B.)They knew the lower Mississippi River was an important strategic location. C.)They needed Louisiana’s agricultural resources to help feed the Union Army. D.)They wanted access to Baton Rouge, the location of government offices.
Answer is Option B: They knew the lower Mississippi River was an important strategic location.
Explanation:
Control of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War was a crucial factor for both the North and the South. The river was an essential channel for the farmers who shipped their goods by the Gulf of Mexico to the eastern states.
The Union wanted to capture the Mississippi river along the southern positions. It tried to capture the New Orleans port and move North. They then joined Grant's army and head South of the river. Since it was a good location strategically, Union was interested in Louisiana during Civil war.
Every action taken during the years leading to the Civil War was temporary, as the balance was eventually broken and the South seceded and sparked war.
