Vicksburg Campaign and Its Significance

In 1863, the Union Army, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, launched a campaign to capture Vicksburg, Mississippi, a key Confederate stronghold. After initial assaults failed, Grant laid siege to the city, cutting off supplies and bombarding it for over six weeks. Civilians suffered greatly, living in caves and facing severe food shortages. On July 4th, 1863, the Confederates surrendered Vicksburg, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River and effectively splitting the Confederacy in two.

What was the strategic significance of Vicksburg for the Union forces?

• It was the capital of the Confederacy.

• It controlled the Mississippi River.

• It was the largest Confederate city.

• It was the site of a major Confederate arsenal.

Who commanded the Union Army of the Tennessee during the Vicksburg campaign?

• General Robert E. Lee

• General William T. Sherman

• General George B. McClellan

• General Ulysses S. Grant

What defensive measures did the Confederates take to protect Vicksburg?

• They evacuated all civilians.

• They launched a counter-offensive.

• They fortified the city with trenches and forts.

• They built a large naval fleet.

Why did Grant decide to lay siege to Vicksburg instead of continuing direct assaults?

• He wanted to negotiate a peace treaty.

• He was waiting for reinforcements.

• Confederate supplies were running low.

• He planned to attack another city first.

How did the Union forces maintain pressure on Vicksburg during the siege?

• They cut off all communication lines.

• They poisoned the city's water supply.

• They launched daily infantry attacks.

• They bombarded the city with artillery and gunboats.

What extreme measures did Vicksburg civilians take to survive during the siege?

• They received aid from Confederate allies.

• They fled to nearby cities.

• They lived in caves and ate leather.

• They surrendered to Union forces.

On what date did the Confederates surrender Vicksburg to the Union?

• July 4th, 1863

• June 15th, 1863

• August 1st, 1863

• May 19th, 1863

What was the impact of the Union's capture of Vicksburg on the Confederacy?

• It caused the Confederacy to regain control of the Mississippi River.

• It resulted in the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

• It split the Confederacy in two and gave the Union control of the Mississippi River.

• It led to the immediate end of the Civil War.