The Union Navy was the naval force of the United States during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Its primary goal was to blockade the Southern states, preventing them from trading with foreign nations and cutting off supplies to the Confederate Army. The Union Navy played a crucial role in securing waterways and supporting land operations. The Union Navy consisted of various ships, including ironclads like the USS Monitor and wooden warships. It also employed strategies such as the Anaconda Plan, which aimed to suffocate the Confederacy economically. The Navy's efforts contributed significantly to the Union's victory in the war.