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.
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.
Blockade
Blockade
Disastrously. As the war went on, and the blockade became more effective, there were fewer and fewer goods to be had, and the prices rose steeply. Sherman's March to the Sea finally shattered the Southern economy, and the Confederate dollar was down to a few cents.
The blockade was more effective toward the end of the war.
The Union naval blockade, which prevented the Confederacy from exporting its plentiful cotton in exchange for war-supplies. This crippled the Southern economy.
The blockade prevented needed supplies from coming in, and cotton from going out
The Northern blockade meant the South could not sell its cotton.
The Northern blockade meant the South could not sell its cotton.
The south was not allowed to import or export any goods during this blockade which lasted most of the Civil War.
The American Civil War, widely known in the United States as simply the Civil War and established a naval blockade that crippled the southern economy.
The American Civil War, widely known in the United States as simply the Civil War and established a naval blockade that crippled the southern economy.
The American Civil War, widely known in the United States as simply the Civil War and established a naval blockade that crippled the southern economy.
The American Civil War, widely known in the United States as simply the Civil War and established a naval blockade that crippled the southern economy.
Blockade
Blockade
Disastrously. As the war went on, and the blockade became more effective, there were fewer and fewer goods to be had, and the prices rose steeply. Sherman's March to the Sea finally shattered the Southern economy, and the Confederate dollar was down to a few cents.
The blockade was more effective toward the end of the war.