The capture of which city advanced the union's goal of dividing the
confederacy in two?

The correct answer is New Orleans

Explanation: In 1861, Louisiana separated from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America. In the same year, the American Civil War began. New Orleans, as a primary port of major importance to the Confederacy, was a primary target for naval attacks by the US Navy. In April 1862, New Orleans was captured by American troops. No battle in defense of the city took place, and the city was taken without resistance. Thus, New Orleans was spared the destruction that affected other key cities of the Confederacy. However, the economy of New Orleans has entered a major recession, which would last about a decade, because of the Union's naval economic blockade of the Confederation, known as the Anaconda Plan, and because of the opening of several railroads to the city, thereby diminishing the economy. port's importance to the economy of New Orleans.