What was one disadvantage of Blockade Running in the Bahamas?

• A. The increase in crime
• B. Loss of neutral trade opportunity
• C. Improvements in port security
• D. Economic downturn

Answer: (B)

Blockade running used Nassau’s sheltered harbors and proximity to Confederate waters to slip goods past the Union blockade, making the Bahamas a busy base for illicit trade. The downside is that this focus on wartime traffic blocks or strains ordinary neutral commerce. When a port becomes known primarily as a hub for contraband or smuggling, other neutral traders retreat to avoid penalties, enforcement, or diplomatic pressure, so the Bahamas loses opportunities to engage in broad, legitimate trade with a variety of partners. The economy can become unstable and overly dependent on this risky, war-driven activity, rather than healthy, lawful trade with neutral merchants.