Mississippi river has a long and storied history with the American Civil War. It was used as a border for a number of slaveholding states, and was a major waterway for the Union and Confederate forces during the four-year conflict. The rivers of the early Southeast were also used to transport materials and troops, lending to the importance of the Mississippi River during the Civil War.
The river was divided by the Confederacy and the Union in July 1861, placing it in the middle of the war-torn region. The Union controlled the areas south of the Mississippi River, while the Confederate forces controlled the areas north of the river. In spite of its central proximity, the river wasn’t an integral battleground, instead it was used to move troops and supplies and transport prisoners.
Cotton was another major industry in the early to mid 19th century. Union forces moved over 1 million bales of cotton out of the Mississippi River in 1861. This cut off the South from this major industry, and caused a major upset in the Confederate’s economy. The Confederacy had to rely on alternative materials wherever possible, trying to make up for this immense loss.
The Mississippi River was a major port for industry supplies, such as weaponry and ammunition. Without an effective blockade, Union forces found ways to intercept this weaponry in the early stages of the war. Confederate troops would end up losing many important battles due to the lack of supplies from abroad.
By 1862 Union forces were successful in reducing the Confederacy to only a few ports on the river, with ironclad ships receiving much of the credit. After the Battle of Memphis on 2nd June, 1862, the Union had control of most of the Mississippi River. This however gave them a major advantage, as they were now in control of all of the states leading to the river.
The Union Army was then able to block supplies, cut off communication and control strategic movements with ease. By 1863, the Union had total control of the Mississippi River, with the exception of a few key areas that were held by the Confederacy. However, they could not sustain control much longer as General Ulysses S. Grant took control of Vicksburg and forced the Confederate army to retreat.
Union naval forces on the Mississippi prevented much of the Confederate reinforcement movements. By controlling the river and its tributary, Union advantages were greatly increased. This was even more the case in 1864 when Union troops won naval battles in Red River and Mobile Bay. Union control over the Mississippi saw the decisive victory at Appomattox and the surrender of Robert Lee.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
The importance of the Mississippi River during the Civil War cannot be understated. Not only was it a major transport channel for troops and supplies, but it also had other economic implications. The river allowed mail to run east and west, provided a port for Southern cotton, and allowed materials to travel without hindrance.
Cotton was vital to the economy of the South, and the Mississippi River was essential in moving large amounts of cotton out of the region. The Union interrupted this process as they raided plantations and took control of transportation systems in the area. By blocking trade, communication and transportation, the Mississippi River played a major role in ending the Civil War.
Additionally, the rich soil in the Mississippi Valley had potential for large-scale crop production. This investment opportunity attracted many northern “carpetbaggers” who bought up much of the land along the riverbanks, creating opportunities for new industry and business prospects.
Political Impact of the Mississippi River
Not only did the Mississippi River provide economic benefits, but it also had political ramifications. It was used as a dividing line between slavery and freedom, with the river flowing between the two territories. This provided a powerful symbol of the two emerging nations, thus providing further evidence for the conflict.
The fort built along the Mississippi was also a powerful symbol. For the North, Missouri was the gateway from east and west, connecting the Northern states together. For the South, the fort provided security and allowed for communication between different states.
This sense of unity between the Union states was important in mobilizing the fight against the Confederacy and identifying one another in the enemy-controlled areas. Its importance for the North provided a great symbol for their fight against slavery and the Confederate cause.
Military Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River played a major role in the Union victory, with Union forces using the river to move troops and carry supplies. Confederate forces found themselves in difficulties as they needed control of the Mississippi River in order to effectively move troops, but they were rarely successful in their campaigns.
The Union was successful in occupying the large cities along the banks of the river. This gave them access to factories supplying weapons and ammunition to the Confederate soldiers. Union naval vessels forced the ships of Confederates to the shore, restraining their ability to move troops and resources.
Union forces were also able to move troops to the banks of the river quickly and with ease. The Mississippi was used to create a protective shield that stretched from Saint Louis down to the Gulf of Mexico. Union troops used this as a defensive barrier that allowed them to control the river, reinforcing their positions and cutting off Confederate reinforcements for the duration of the war.
Social Impact of the Mississippi River
The impact of the Mississippi River on the social aspects of the Civil War is evident. It was used as a symbol uniting the northern states, created a border between freedom and slavery, and forged connections between the different states embroiled in the conflict.
The social impact of the war was also felt in the American south. The Confederacy was forced to rely on increasingly limited resources, stripping plantation owners of their wealth. Furthermore, Northern troops required food and supplies from the local population, many of which were living in poverty.
Not only did the war effect the South’s social structures, but also the North’s. The loss of property and overall destruction suffered by the South were mirrored in the North, with their homes and businesses suffering destruction as the river provided easy access for troops.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River was an essential trade route during the war, however, the environmental effects of this cannot be overlooked. The banks of the river are home to many species of bird and animals, many of which were affected by the destruction caused by the war.
The Union Navy took control of the river during the war and used it to transport supplies and to ravage the environment. Animals in the area were killed and their habitats destroyed, drastically altering the landscape along the banks of the Mississippi.
Furthermore, the river was used for sewage, runoff and other pollutants, leading to the contamination of the waterways. The destruction of the Mississippi River during the Civil War left a lasting impact on the environment, with the effects being felt to this day.
Conclusion of the Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River was a major component in the Union victory during the Civil War. It provided Union forces with access to resources and transportation, caused economic and political detriment to the Confederacy, and left a lasting effect on the environment. Without the river, the course of history may have been drastically altered.
