The U.S. Navy played a crucial role in the Civil War by establishing a blockade of Southern ports, part of the Anaconda Plan.

This strategy aimed to restrict the Confederacy's ability to trade cotton and receive supplies, significantly weakening its economy and war effort. The blockade effectively cut off vital resources and contributed to food shortages in the South. Additionally, the Navy engaged in various naval battles, including the famous clash between the ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia, showcasing the evolution of naval warfare. Overall, the Navy's actions were instrumental in supporting the Union's victory.