Why was the union determined to capture vicksburg during the civil war? a. to end the war immediately b. to gain access to the west c. to support general sherman d. to divide the confederacy

The correct answer is D) to divide the Confederacy.

The capturing of Vicksburg would allow the Union forces to take control of the entire Mississippi River. Controlling the Mississippi River would allow the Union to cut the Confederacy in half by isolating states west of this river (like Texas) from other Confederate states (like South Carolina, Georgia, etc.). This was part of General Winfield Scott's "Anaconda Plan." This plan was developed to help the Union win by starving out the South and cutting of access to supplies and food. This would ultimately be a successful plan.

the correct answer is b, "fertility rates are increasing, so populations will grow more quickly in the future."