Because they where trading with them bringing in lots of money
The first statement is correct.
The Siege of Vicksburg by the Union army lead to the inability of Confederate soldiers to receive supplies. This is because the Union army takes control of the Mississippi River. This river was used to transport soldiers,materials, and goods for the Confederate soldiers. Maintaining control of this part of the river near Vicksburg lead to the Confederate troops being split in half. This leads to their eventual surrender.
He didn't think it was a good idea. He wanted a place he could retreat to if he lost against the coalitions he was fighting, but he needed the money more than he did the land
I capitalized the answers in the sentences:
The INDIAN Ocean separates Africa from Australia. The continent of NORTH AMERICA is east of Asia across the Pacific Ocean. The equator divides the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Hope I was able to help! :)