While the Civil War is mainly remembered for its epic battles between the Northern and Southern armies, the Union was simultaneously waging another campaign- dubbed "Anaconda"-that was gradually depriving the South of industry and commerce, thus rendering the exploits of its field armies moot. When an independent Dixie finnaly met the dustbin of history, it was the North's coastal campaign, as much as the achievements of its main forces, that was primarily responsible. This book examines the various naval actions and land incursions the Union waged from Virginia down the Atlantic Coast and through the Gulf of Mexico to methodically close down every Confederate port that could bring in weapsons or supplies. The Rebels responded with fast ships-blockaid runners-that tried to evade the Yankee fleets, while at the same time construting formidable strong fortifications that could protect the ports themselves. Hardcover,233 pages,including Contents, Introduction,Notes, Bibliography, Index. |