Question

independent practice
why did president lincoln want the union army to control vicksburg, mississippi?
a. to convince african americans that the north would win the war
b. to see whether general u. s. grant could actually command his troops
c. so the union could have access to gulf of mexico
d. so the union could control the mississippi river

Explanation:

Control of Vicksburg was a key part of the Union's Anaconda Plan. Taking the city would give the Union full control of the Mississippi River, splitting the Confederacy in two and cutting off its supply routes. The other options do not align with the primary strategic goal of the campaign.

Answer:

D. so the Union could control the Mississippi River