Was the Confederacy (effectively) down to six states after the capture of Vicksburg?

score:3

Accepted answer

NO and YES - there are two different questions.

NO, Confederacy was not down to six states. Western states lost ability to supply eastern states with people and horses, and coordination with Confederate government, but still controlling large territory and fighting, preventing substantial northern forces to be moved to East. If Confederacy government managed to convince North for two-state solution, western state most likely would be Confederacy states.

YES, defeating the six eastern states practically meant winning the war - western states did not have material and moral resources to continue the war and achieve independence. Theoretically, Texas (and possibly other western states) could get help from french forces in Mexico, or even join Mexico, but this possibility was too slim to discuss seriously.

More post

Search Posts

Related post