Why were blockade runners used during the Civil War?

Question

to move troops efficiently
bringing needed supplies to the Confederacy
battling the Union Navy
Protecting Savannah and other ports

Answer 1

Blockade runners were primarily used during the Civil War for bringing needed supplies to the Confederacy. The Union established a naval blockade to restrict the flow of goods into the Confederate states, aiming to weaken the Southern economy and military capability. Blockade runners were swift, relatively small ships that evaded the Union Navy to transport vital supplies, weapons, military equipment, and other goods into Confederate ports, particularly those that were heavily blockaded. Although they may have also contributed to troop movements and attempted to protect specific ports like Savannah, their main purpose was to circumvent the blockade to supply the Confederacy.