The blockade really straddled the southern economy, and many historians believe the Union couldn't have won without it. What are your guys opinions on the blockade and its significance in the war?
I believe the blockade did indeed help the Union. Without being able to export cotton, the CSA was deprived of important hard currency. This led to a lot of inflation and impoverishment among the Southern states, while the Union was in decent financial shape.
I agree that the southern economy was hurt a lot by the blockade, since, like Vercingetorix said, it prevented them from exporting goods to make money, and also limited their international communication.
