Question

Why was the South vulnerable to a blockade by the North?

Answer 1

They could not import anything

Explanation:

Compared with the North, the South had little industry and thus needed to import massively. New Orleans was a key port for exchanges with Europe, most of Cotton was exported from that city. Opium was particularly needful to relieve Southern soldiers' pain and yet they had very little due to shortages. Textile also lacked and people had to wear shabby clothes, Everyday products very often lacked and it strongly weakened the South.