Why did the Confederates defend Petersburg so fiercely?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

It was the new Confederate capital.
It was the new Confederate capital.

It was a rail link to the Confederate capital.
It was a rail link to the Confederate capital.

It was a troop center for reinforcements.
It was a troop center for reinforcements.

It was in a northern state.

Answer 1

The correct response is: It was a rail link to the Confederate capital.

Petersburg, Virginia, was strategically important because it served as a vital supply hub due to its extensive rail connections, particularly to the Confederate capital of Richmond. Defending Petersburg was critical for the Confederacy to maintain its supply lines and communication routes.