Name:________________________________________________________ Date:_____________ Class:______
Bell Ringer: The Civil War: The Fighting Escalates
Instructions: Examine the picture below. Read the description. Answer the questions.
The Anaconda Plan
Description: Above is a political cartoon depicting the Northern military plan to win victory in the Civil War. FIRST,
the North wanted to blockade Southern seaports. SECOND, the Union wanted to control the Mississippi River.
THIRD, the North wanted to capture Richmond, Virginia, which was the capital of the Confederate States of
America. This plan was commonly called the Anaconda Plan.
1. Why do you think the North believed it was necessary to blockade the Southern sea ports?
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2. Why do you think the North felt it was necessary to take the Mississippi River?
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3. Many in the North feared that Britain may come to the aid of the South to keep trade relations between the two
regions operating. How do you think the Anaconda Plan impacted Britain’s choice to intervene or not intervene in
the Civil War?
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Answers:
1. Why do you think the North believed it was necessary to blockade the Southern sea ports?
The Southern economy depended upon selling cotton. Blockading the ports would block this
trade. Likewise, it would stop the Confederacy from using the ports to transport troops or military
supplies.
2. Why do you think the North felt it was necessary to take the Mississippi River?
The river was a natural boundary. By controlling it, the North could “split” the South. By
controlling this river, the South could not ship troops and supplies through it. Likewise, the North
could use the river to ship troops and supplies.
3. Many in the North feared that Britain may come to the aid of the South to keep trade relations between the two
regions operating. How do you think the Anaconda Plan impacted Britain’s choice to intervene or not intervene in
the Civil War?
Britain would see the blockade as an obstacle inviting conflict with the North. This would deter
them from wanting to help the South,
Copyright, USHistoryTeachers.com
All Rights Reserved.