Question

What was the goal of the Union army in the West?

Answer 1

To deny the use of the Mississippi River to Confederacy as part of the Anaconda Plan.

Explanation:

The capture of the length of the Mississippi would interdict supplies from Texas and Mexico. Once it had been held, further operations into the Heart of the Confederacy could be mounted. Sherman's March to the sea was to deny Food, Men and Horses to the main Confederate Armies to the North.