After Fort Sumter was fired upon in April 1861, the Civil War officially began. From the start, the goals of the Union and the Confederacy shaped their military strategies and actions.
Union Strategy
Just a few days after the events at Fort Sumter, President Abraham Lincoln announced a naval blockade of Southern ports. The purpose of the blockade was to limit the Confederacy’s ability to trade with other countries. The Union shut down Southern ports to halt cotton exports. They also wanted to stop weapons and supplies from getting to the South. Union leaders thought that cutting off trade would hurt the Southern economy. This, they believed, would make it tougher for the Confederacy to fight.
The blockade was part of a larger plan called the Anaconda Plan, created by General Winfield Scott. This plan focused on weakening the Confederacy over time instead of ending the war quickly. Along with the naval blockade, the Union planned to gain control of the Mississippi River, which was an important transportation route. Union leaders thought that controlling the river would split the Confederacy. This move would also restrict the movement of troops and supplies. Many Northerners wanted the Union army to defeat the Confederacy quickly with land campaigns. However, parts of the Anaconda Plan became key to the Union's strategy as the war progressed.
Confederate Strategy
The Confederacy’s main goal was independence from the United States. Confederate leaders chose to defend their territory rather than invade the North. Fighting on Southern land gave them advantages, including knowledge of the terrain and support from local civilians.
The Confederacy did not begin the war with one clear military plan. Leaders debated whether to stay on the defensive or attack Union forces when possible. Over time, many supported an offensive-defensive strategy. This approach focused on protecting Southern land while attacking Union armies when opportunities appeared. Confederate leaders thought that if they could withstand Union pressure and prolong the war, the North might lose support. They also hoped that other countries would aid the South.
