What was a key feature of the siege during the Battle of Vicksburg?

The siege during the Battle of Vicksburg was characterized by prolonged bombardment and starvation, which ultimately led to the Confederate surrender. The Union forces, under General Ulysses S. Grant, implemented a strategy of encirclement and sustained artillery fire that severely restricted the movement and supplies into the city. This strategy was effective in weakening the Confederate defense as resources dwindled and morale declined among the troops and civilian population inside Vicksburg. As the siege continued for several weeks, residents faced severe food shortages, which contributed to the increasing desperation of the defenders. The successful Union campaign at Vicksburg was pivotal in gaining control of the Mississippi River, significantly impacting the resources and communication of the Confederacy.