What strategy did Winfield Scott propose during the Civil War to defeat the Confederacy?

The Anaconda Plan, proposed by Winfield Scott, was a comprehensive military strategy aimed at defeating the Confederacy by using a combination of naval blockades and control over the Mississippi River. This approach sought to suffocate the Southern economy by cutting off trade and supply routes, which would limit the Confederacy's ability to sustain its war effort. The idea was to surround the Confederacy, rendering it increasingly unable to support its troops or effectively coordinate its military operations.

The naval blockade was intended to prevent goods from entering or leaving Confederate ports, which was crucial since the South relied on imports for weapons, supplies, and food as well as exporting cotton to finance its war effort. Control of the Mississippi River was equally important, as it was a vital transportation route for moving troops and supplies. By capturing key points along the river, Union forces could divide the Confederacy and disrupt communication and logistics.

This strategic approach contrasted with other methods that involved more traditional ground troop invasions or direct assaults on major cities, which may not have utilized the resources and geographical advantages to their fullest potential. The Anaconda Plan, although initially met with skepticism, ultimately laid the groundwork for Union victories and was integral to their eventual success in the Civil War.