The American Civil War of 1861-1865 impacted many regions and states in the US, with the Mississippi River being one of them.During the war, the river became strategically important, with Union forces under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant attempting to take control of the river and its tributaries. The Confederate forces, under the command of General P.G.T. Beauregard, had a stronghold at the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and it was seen as the key point that needed to be taken in order to gain control of the Mississippi. For almost seven months the Union besieged Vicksburg, eventually taking control of the city on the 4th July, 1863.
However, the question then was whether the fall of Vicksburg also meant the Union taking control of the rest of the Mississippi River. On one hand, it could fairly be argued that the fall of Vicksburg ensured Union control of the remaining portion of the River. This was due to the strategic importance of the city – with Vicksburg preventing Union forces from the north from freely navigating the river. Without the city in their possession, Union forces should have been able to access the remaining portion of the River.
On the other hand, this may not have been the case. This is because the Union could not guarantee the safety of their forces without Confederate activity in the area. This is evidenced in the Battle of Porter’s Ferry in 1863 where, due to Confederate activity, the Union was forced to retreat. Furthermore, after the fall of Vicksburg, Confederate forces continued to control other ports on the Mississippi, allowing them to disrupt any Union operations and keep the river Secure.
To gain further insight, one can look to Union Field Commander, Ulysses S. Grant. In his orders to General William T. Sherman regarding the fall of Vicksburg, it is evident that he was still not in “complete control of the river”. This suggests that whilst the fall of Vicksburg was a military victory for the Union, it did not guarantee the full control of the river. This is further emphasised by the fact that after the fall of Vicksburg, the Confederacy was able to use various ports and counter-operations to remain in control of the river.
Today, the impact of the fall of Vicksburg in 1863 continues to be debated by historians. Some argue that it resulted in the Union fully taking control of the remaining parts of the river, while others argue that the Confederacy was still able to maintain some level of control. What is certain however, is that the fall of Vicksburg enabled the Union to strengthen its hold on the Mississippi, while also weakening the Confederacy’s chances of gaining control of the river.
Impact on state sovereignty
The fall of Vicksburg also had a lasting impact on state sovereignty in the US. Prior to the Civil War, state sovereignty was seen as a cornerstone of American democracy, with many seeing it as an unalienable right. This was challenged when the Confederate forces refused to surrender, with the Union eventually states eventually deciding to dissolve their sovereign rights and join the US, exemplified by Mississippi in 1864. This further supports the idea that the fall of Vicksburg enabled the Union to gain a stronger hold on the Mississippi.
The decision by states like Mississippi to join the US was not without controversy and it was argued by some that it was a violation of state rights. However, as the Union forces were increasingly gaining control of the Mississippi, it could also be argued that the dissolution of state sovereignty was in fact a response to the Union’s strength in the region. Thus it can be seen that the fall of Vicksburg led to the Union gaining control of not just the Mississippi, but also of states on the river.
The Union’s control of the River
Coming out of the Civil War, it was clear that the Union had full control of the Mississippi River. This was evident in their new laws, such as the Neutrality Laws of 1864, which banned any form of trading or communication between parts of the River under Union control and Confederate forces. Furthermore, from 1865 onwards, the Union enforced the inspection of all vessels travelling up the Mississippi.
It is clear that after the fall of Vicksburg, the Union had full control of the Mississippi River. This was evidenced in the actions taken by General Grant’s forces – such as the tightening of inspections on vessels travelling up the river and the enforcement of Neutrality Laws. In addition, the Union’s victory at Vicksburg also led to the dissolution of state sovereignty, which further enabled them to gain control of the states on the river.
Economic benefits
The Union’s control of the Mississippi River had considerable economic benefits. This is evidenced in the Union’s ability to establish a trade route from the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico. This was achieved by the Union launching gunboats for patrolling the river, which both served as a form of commerce and opened up trade with the North. Wharfs and docks along the River were also constructed, further improving trade and transportation.
The Union’s control of the Mississippi also benefited the agricultural sector of the region. This was evidenced by the drop in prices of foodstuffs as they were able to be transported from one area to another more freely and efficiently. Moreover, the Union also established various ports, which enabled more people to use the River for trade, resulting in increased economic activity.
How the war changed the Mississippi
It is clear that the Union’s gain of the Mississippi changed it in various ways. On the military side, it made the River safe for Union forces and allowed them to use its tributaries. From a social and economic perspective, it allowed states to break away from Confederate rule and allowed for improved navigation of the River, increasing economic activity in the area.
However, the war also had a negative impact on the River. This was due to the destruction caused by military actions – in particular, the bombardment of Vicksburg by Union forces retreated the city, damaging its infrastructure and further impacting the Mississippi. Additionally, the Union’s control of the river also resulted in a decrease in the slave population, as they were prevented from travelling on the River.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fall of Vicksburg in 1863 was a major event in the Union’s gain of control of the Mississippi River. Strategically important, the city was a major Confederate stronghold, preventing Union forces from freely navigating the river. After seven months, the city fell and with it, the Union gained control of the remaining parts of the river. This enabled the Union not just to improve navigation and trade, but also to strengthen its control of the states along the Mississippi. Although the war had a negative impact on the river and its people, it is clear that the gain of control over the Mississippi was a major benefit for the Union.
