What was Winfield Scott's Three Part Strategy during the Civil War?

Winfield Scott's Three Part Strategy, often referred to as the Anaconda Plan, aimed to strategically weaken the Confederate states during the Civil War. The plan involved three main components: first, to blockade Southern ports, thereby cutting off essential supplies and trade, which would economically cripple the Confederacy; second, to capture Richmond, the Confederate capital, which would deliver a significant blow to Southern morale and leadership; and third, to gain control of the Mississippi River, which would split the Confederacy in two and disrupt its internal logistics and movement of troops and resources.

This approach was not about engaging in total warfare, which would involve widespread destruction of civilian resources. It also did not involve negotiating peace with Southern leaders, as Scott's strategy was focused on military measures to bring about a decisive defeat of the Confederacy. Additionally, the plan did not advocate for guerrilla warfare, which is characterized by irregular tactics and engagements; instead, it called for conventional military engagements to achieve strategic objectives. Thus, the emphasis on blockades, capturing cities, and controlling waterways makes the second option the accurate reflection of Scott's strategy during the Civil War.