Question

“you want a thing done? here follows host, of which vicksburg is the key. the war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket.” - president abraham lincoln, 1863
what did president abraham lincoln mean when he said “vicksburg is the key”?
a. a quick and decisive victory at vicksburg would be a swift and certain end to the war.
b. that taking vicksburg would require careful planning and the union had only one shot at success.
c. taking vicksburg would split the confederacy in two and cut - off a vital supply route as well as opening the river to northern traffic.
d. a victory at vicksburg would change the trajectory of the war from land - based fighting to naval fighting and the union was most successful in naval battles.

Explanation:

Vicksburg was a crucial Confederate stronghold during the American Civil - War. Controlling it would split the Confederacy, cut off a major supply route, and open the Mississippi River for Union traffic. This was a key strategic objective for the Union.

Answer:

C. Taking Vicksburg would split the Confederacy in two and cut off a vital supply route as well as opening the river to Northern traffic.