How did the union naval blockade affect the south economy during the civil war?

Answer 1

It prevented them from exchanging their cotton for the war supplies they so urgently needed, having no manufacturing capacity of their own.

Answer 2

It prevented them from exporting their plentiful cotton in exchange for war-supplies.

Answer 3

Rapidly rising food prices across the south

Answer 4

The Union blockade greatly damaged cotton exports. And cotton was practically the only high-value export of the South. As a result of the blockade, cotton exports fell which hurt the South.

In addition, the South was almost hampered in importing food, medicine, manufactured goods, and luxury items. And the food that was grown in the Confederacy could not just be shipped along the coast to places that needed it. There were severe shortages of practically everything and massive inflation.

In addition, it caused a lot of hunger to both civilians and soldiers.

Finally, the blockade reduced the importation of war materials to the South. Not just guns and munitions, but vitals like tents, blankets, and boots. As a result of the blockade, Southern commanders were often unable to properly feed, clothe, and equip their soldiers, and shortages of medicine were disastrous.

Blockade runners grew into an industry run by British businesses. They supplied over 60% of the supplies used by the Confederate Army, and also provided some products from Europe and allowed the Confederates to export some cotton. It was not nearly enough, but it bought the Confederates some time.

What bought the Confederacy more time were its armies coupled with the Union's failure to even capture Richmond which was 100 miles away from Washington DC.

This 60% is very debatable. Certainly with regard to food supplies. The South continued to "grow" their own crops and before the fall of Vicksburg, drew supplies from west of the Mississippi.

Answer 5

It completely choked off the South from supplies from countries in Europe. If the South did get through with it's blockade-runners the ships didn't have enough cotton to make up for it's losses

Answer 6

The naval blockade prevented the Confederacy from receiving supplies from Britain(mostly). It also prevented goods from shipping out so the money which would otherwise be made by this commerce was reduced. In an effort to defeat the blockade "Blockade Runners"were used. These were low-profile,fast ships that could sometimes get past the larger Union Navy ships and make it to port.

Answer 7

Rapidly rising food prices across the South

Answer 8

The blockade ruined the South's trade. It was one of the main reasons for the defeat of the South.

Answer 9

It prevented them from exporting their plentiful cotton in exchange for war-supplies.

Answer 10

Prevented it from exporting its plentiful cotton in exchange for war-supplies.