Why did the Union want to control the Mississippi River?

the Union wanted to capture key southern positions along the Mississippi river. the Union navy would try to capture the port at New Orleans and move North long the Mississippi river to join forces with Grant's army who would head south along the river.

Explanation:

A.

Explanation:By having control of the river, Union forces would split the Confederacy in two and control an important route to move men and supplies.

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b: to eliminate competition from other farmers