1. 19.3
The War in the West

2. Western Strategy
Union strategy in the West focused on controlling the Mississippi River.
To cut the eastern Confederacy off from food production resources in the west
To provide bases along the Mississippi River, from which the Union could attack the South’s communication and transportation network

3. Western Strategy Ulysses S. Grant
Most important figure on the war in the West
Had graduated from West Point and served in the Mexican War
Had resigned from the army but volunteered when the Civil War began
Impressed Lincoln with his willingness to fight
Promoted to general by September 1861

4. First Major Battle in the West
By late February 1862 the Union controlled Kentucky and much of Tennessee
Grant’s troops followed the Tennessee River toward Mississippi
Halted just north of the border, near a creek and a church named Shiloh
On April 6, 1862, the Confederates launched a surprise attack.

5. First Major Battle in the West
Union troops were pushed back, but more Union troops arrived that night.
Grant counterattacked the next day, and the Confederates were forced to retreat.
Battle of Shiloh gave the Union greater control of the Mississippi River valley.

6. Fighting for the Mississippi River
Strategy in the Mississippi
Union wanted to capture key southern positions along the Mississippi River.
Union navy would try to capture the port at New Orleans and move north.
Naval forced would then unite with Grant’s army as it headed south.

7. Fighting for the Mississippi River
David Farragut
Daring Union naval leader from Tennessee
Captured New Orleans, then sailed farther up the Mississippi River
Next took Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi

8. Fighting for the Mississippi River
Vicksburg
Located on the high bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River
Confederate general John C. Pemberton had placed guns on the bluffs
In the spring of 1863 Grant blocked southern forces from aiding Vicksburg and then surrounded the city.

9. Fighting for the Mississippi River
Vicksburg
The Siege of Vicksburg lasted six weeks.
Lacking food, the Confederates at Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, 1863.
Gave the Union control of the Mississippi River

10. The Far West
Union victory at Glorieta Pass in New Mexico ended the Confederate hopes of controlling the Southwest.
Battle of Pea Ridge
Fought in Arkansas in March 1862; part of the South’s efforts to take Missouri
Some American Indians, mainly Cherokee, aided the Confederate forces in hopes that they would gain more independence.

11. The Far West Battle of Pea Ridge
Some of the American Indians were also slaveholders and supported the South.
Union victory, but pro-Confederate forces remained active in Missouri region