Download Union Strategy in the West

Ch. 16.3
The War in the West
KEY
Union Strategy in the West
1. What style of fighting did Ulysses S. Grant prefer?
He wanted to be on the attack—offensive NOT defensive.
2. What was the goal of the western campaign the Union launched in 1862?
Take control of the Mississippi River and cut off the eastern part of the Confederacy from food
sources.
3. How did General Grant earn the nickname “Unconditional Surrender Grant?”
When Fort Donaldson’s commander asked for terms of surrender, Grant said there would be
no terms except “unconditional and immediate surrender.”
4. Battle of Shiloh
a. Date? April 6, 1862
b. Commanding Officers involved? (2) Johnston—Confederate and Grant—Union
c. Duration? Two days
d. Outcome? Both sides claimed victory, but the real victory was Grants (Union)
5. The Battle and Fall of New Orleans
a. Date? April 24, 1862
b. Union Commanding Officer? Farragut
c. Duration? 5 days
d. Outcome? Union victory—New Orleans fell
6. Describe David Farragut’s role in the fall of New Orleans?
He made a daring dash from the Gulf of Mexico up the Mississippi River to take New Orleans.
He wrapped his ships in iron chains and disguised them with mud and branches and sailed
up the river at night.
7. Look at the Primary Source box on page 524. How does Mayor Monroe’s statement reveal
his attitude about surrender? It show that though he is surrendering he is remaining loyal
to the South.
8. The Siege of Vicksburg
a. Date? Mid-May 1863
b. Commanding Officers involved? (3) Farragut—Union, Grant—Union, Pemberton--
Confederate
c. Duration? Mid-May to July 4 (about a month and a half)
d. Outcome? Union Victory—this gave the union total control of the Mississippi River.
9. Why was Vicksburg a difficult city to attack and conquer?
It was perched on a 200 foot high cliff above the Mississippi River and could fire on enemy
ships from above.
10. What was General Grant’s strategy for taking the city?
He decided to starve them into surrender.
Struggle for the Far West
11. Battle of Pea Ridge
a. Date? March 1862
b. Who helped the confederate forces? 800 Cherokee
c. What were two reasons they sided with the Confederates? They hoped the
Confederates would give them greater freedom, and some of the Indians were slave
owners and wanted to preserve slavery.
d. Outcome? Union forces won
Review the History and Geography information on pages 526-527 and answer the following
questions.
1. Why did President Lincoln believe that Vicksburg was the key to winning the war?
Location on the Mississippi made it a vital trade route and supply line for the Union. Control
Vicksburg = control the Mississippi.
2. Why was Grant not able to attack Vicksburg from the North?
Land was too swampy
3. What daring move did Grant make after meeting up with his supply boats?
He decided to move without a supply line so that he could move more quickly.
4. What happened at Port Gibson that was important for the North?
Proved that the Confederates couldn’t protect the Mississippi line.
5. Why was Grant’s victory at Jackson so important?
Prevented Confederate forces from reinforcing Vicksburg.
6. Why was Grant forced to lay siege on Vicksburg?
Couldn’t get past the guns on the high bluffs above the river.
7. What was Grant’s military background before the Civil War?
Attended West Point, fought in the Mexican American War
8. What role did ironclads play in the Vicksburg campaign.
Protected Grants troops when they crossed the Mississippi and later bombed Vicksburg during
the siege of the city.