Anaconda plan, military strategy proposed by Union General Winfield Scott early in the American Civil War. The plan called for a naval blockade of the Confederate littoral, a thrust down the Mississippi, and the strangulation of the South by Union land and naval forces.

Why did the Union make the Anaconda Plan?

The Anaconda Plan was the initial Civil War strategy devised by General Winfield Scott of the U.S. Army to put down the rebellion by the Confederacy in 1861. Scott came up with the plan in early 1861, intending it as a way to end the rebellion predominantly through economic measures.

What was the Anaconda Plan and did it succeed?

Ridiculed in the press as the “Anaconda Plan,” after the South American snake that crushes its prey to death, this strategy ultimately proved successful. Although about 90 percent of Confederate ships were able to break through the blockade in 1861, this figure was cut to less than 15 percent a year later.

When did the Union use the Anaconda Plan?

The Anaconda Plan was the nickname attached to Lieutenant General Winfield Scott’s comprehensive plan to defeat the Confederacy at the start of the American Civil War (1861–1865).

What were the 3 steps of the Anaconda Plan?

The three main steps of the Anaconda Plan were 1) surround the Confederacy by sea and by land blockades, 2) take control of the Mississippi River to cut Confederate forces in two, and 3) ambush and surround the Confederacy and their capital.

What are the 4 goals of the Anaconda Plan?

At the beginning of the war, General Winfield Scott designed the Anaconda Plan to achieve a Union win. The plan would isolate the South from the outside world, preventing trade, limiting transportation, and reducing resources.

Why was the Anaconda Plan important to the Civil War?

Scott’s Great Snake, published at the outset of the Civil War, humorously portrays General Winfield Scott’s “Anaconda Plan” to strangle the southern states by cutting off any imported supplies and halting cotton exports. Blockading fleets were also used on inland rivers to assist Union military operations.

What did the Anaconda Plan prevent?

The Anaconda Plan was a strategy devised by General Winfield Scott in the early days of the Secession Criss that called for a naval blockade of Southern ports, which would prevent the southern states from conducting trade with foreign nations.

What did the Anaconda Plan do?

The Anaconda Plan was a military strategy proposed by Union General Winfield Scott in the outbreak of the Civil War. The plan consisted of a naval blockade of the Confederate littoral, an attack down the Mississippi river, and constricting the South by Union land and naval forces.

Was Operation Anaconda a success?

Operation Anaconda, which lasted from March 2-18, was successful because up to several hundred enemy fighters were killed and the rest fled the Shahikot Valley, leaving it in the control of U.S. and allied forces. U.S. casualties totaled eight military personnel killed and over 50 wounded.

What was the Anaconda Plan and what was its goal?

The Anaconda Plan was the Union’s strategic plan to defeat the Confederacy at the start of the American Civil War. The goal was to defeat the rebellion by blockading southern ports and controlling the Mississippi river. This would cut off and isolate the south from the outside world.

What was the Anaconda Plan and how did it affect the South?



The plan was called the Anaconda Plan because, like a snake, the Union meant to constrict the South. They would surround the southern borders, keeping out supplies. Then the army would split the South in two, taking control of the Mississippi River. The South did not have a lot of industry at the time.

How would the Anaconda Plan harm the South?

The Anaconda Plan. General-in-Chief Winfield Scott’s Anaconda Plan was a strategy to blockade the South by sea, and gain control of the Mississippi River. This would split the South, and eventually deprive it economically.