General Sherman

Definition

General William Tecumseh Sherman was a Union general during the American Civil War, known for his military strategy of total war, particularly exemplified in his infamous 'March to the Sea.' His tactics were aimed at breaking the Confederacy's will to fight by targeting not just enemy troops but also the economic and civilian infrastructure that supported them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherman's March to the Sea lasted from November 15 to December 21, 1864, covering approximately 300 miles and leading to significant destruction along the way.
2. His military approach aimed to break the spirit of the South by destroying supplies, railroads, and civilian property, which he believed would shorten the war.
3. Sherman famously stated that 'War is hell,' reflecting his belief in the harsh realities of warfare and the necessity of total war tactics.
4. After capturing Savannah, Sherman continued his campaign through the Carolinas, further inflicting damage on Confederate resources and morale.
5. Sherman's tactics have been both criticized for their brutality and praised for their effectiveness in hastening the end of the Civil War.

Review Questions

• How did General Sherman's strategy of total war impact the overall conduct of the Civil War?
  • Sherman's strategy of total war fundamentally changed how battles were fought during the Civil War. By targeting not just Confederate soldiers but also civilian infrastructure and supplies, he aimed to diminish the South's capacity and will to continue fighting. This approach led to significant psychological effects on both soldiers and civilians, contributing to a quicker resolution of the conflict by undermining Southern morale.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Sherman's March to the Sea in terms of its immediate outcomes for both the Union and Confederate sides.
  • Sherman's March to the Sea was highly effective in achieving immediate outcomes for the Union. It not only resulted in significant physical destruction of infrastructure and resources critical to the Confederate war effort but also instilled fear and demoralization among Southern civilians. This campaign exemplified Sherman's belief that breaking the will of the South was as important as defeating its armies, thus accelerating the end of the war.
• Analyze the long-term implications of General Sherman's tactics on post-war American society and military strategies.
  • The long-term implications of General Sherman's tactics can be seen in both post-war American society and evolving military strategies. His methods introduced a new level of psychological warfare that influenced future conflicts, emphasizing that warfare could extend beyond traditional battlefield engagements. Additionally, Sherman's actions contributed to shaping societal perceptions of Reconstruction, as they highlighted the deep scars left by war on Southern communities, influencing discussions on reconciliation and rebuilding in a divided nation.

Related terms

Total War:

A military strategy that involves attacking not only the opposing army but also the economic resources and civilian infrastructure that support it, aimed at hastening an enemy's surrender.

March to the Sea:

A military campaign led by General Sherman from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia, in late 1864, characterized by widespread destruction and a focus on demoralizing the Southern population.

Union Army:

The land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War, composed of soldiers from various states and territories loyal to the U.S. government.