Which statement best describes the unique position of the "border states" like Kentucky and Maryland during the Civil War?

They were the first states to secede from the Union.

They were slave states that remained loyal to the Union.

They were free states that provided aid to the Confederacy.

They were newly formed territories that had not yet chosen a side.

The Union's ability to hold Kentucky and Missouri was strategically important primarily because these states...

contained the largest arsenals and weapon manufacturing plants in the entire country.

were the most populous states and could provide the most soldiers for the army.

controlled vital transportation routes on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.

had strong political ties to Great Britain and France.

To immediately abolish slavery within their borders.

To ensure they remained loyal to the Union.

To use their economies to fund the war effort.

To relocate their populations to the North.

Their strategic locations and resources.

They were the only states with trained militias ready for immediate combat.

They held all of the nation's gold reserves and financial institutions.

They had already promised their support to European allies.

To serve as defensive barriers against invasion.

To provide fresh water for soldiers and horses.

To generate power for northern factories.

To transport soldiers and essential supplies.