How did the first phase of the war establish the stage for the defeat of the CSA?

Union Naval Blockade (Anaconda Plan)

Early in the war, the Union navy began blockading Southern ports.

This hurt the South’s ability to export cotton and import weapons or supplies.

Over time, this strangled the Southern economy and limited resources.

2. Control of the Border States

The Union managed to keep key border states (Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, Delaware) from joining the Confederacy.

This gave the Union more manpower, resources, and strategic locations.

Losing them would have strengthened the CSA significantly.

3. Early Battles Showed Long War Ahead

Battles like Bull Run (Manassas) showed both sides it would not be a quick war.

The Union realized it needed a larger army and a better strategy.

The Confederacy wasted chances to push further north.

4. Union Gains in the West

General Ulysses S. Grant won early victories (Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, control of parts of the Mississippi River).

These split the Confederacy’s territory and hurt southern supply lines.

5. Industrial and Manpower Advantage Became Clear

By 1862, it was obvious the Union had much greater industry, railroads, and population.

The longer the war dragged on, the more this imbalance favored the North.