General Sherman's "March to Sea"

Definition

General Sherman's 'March to Sea' refers to the military campaign led by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman from Atlanta to Savannah during the American Civil War, conducted from November 15 to December 21, 1864. This campaign was notable for its use of total war tactics, where Sherman aimed to demoralize the Confederate population and disrupt their economic resources by destroying infrastructure and supplies along the route. It marked a significant shift in warfare, demonstrating the devastating impact of military operations on civilian life and contributing to the eventual Union victory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherman's March covered approximately 285 miles and involved around 60,000 Union soldiers, who lived off the land and created a path of destruction.
2. The campaign aimed not only to capture Savannah but also to weaken Southern morale and diminish support for the Confederate war effort by destroying resources.
3. Sherman implemented a strategy that included burning crops, confiscating livestock, and demolishing railroads and telegraph lines along the route.
4. The March resulted in significant destruction, estimated at over $100 million in damages, which had lasting effects on Georgia's economy.
5. Sherman famously stated that 'War is hell,' reflecting his belief that harsh measures were necessary to bring about a quicker end to the conflict.

Review Questions

• How did General Sherman's 'March to Sea' exemplify the concept of total war in the context of the Civil War?
  • General Sherman's 'March to Sea' exemplified total war by targeting not just Confederate armies but also the economic and civilian resources that supported them. Sherman ordered his troops to destroy infrastructure, seize supplies, and demoralize the Southern populace, which extended the battlefield beyond traditional military engagements. This approach aimed to break the will of the Confederacy and shorten the war by demonstrating the futility of continued resistance.
• Discuss the impact of Sherman's March on both military strategy and civilian life in the South during the Civil War.
  • Sherman's March had a profound impact on military strategy by showcasing a new approach where civilian infrastructure became a legitimate target in warfare. The widespread destruction caused suffering among civilians, leading to shortages of food and resources. This strategy not only aimed at weakening Confederate forces but also sought to instill fear and discourage Southern support for the war effort. As a result, many civilians faced devastation as their homes and livelihoods were destroyed.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Sherman's 'March to Sea' on Reconstruction efforts in the South following the Civil War.
  • The long-term implications of Sherman's 'March to Sea' on Reconstruction were significant as it contributed to the physical and psychological devastation of the South. The destruction of infrastructure made rebuilding efforts challenging and contributed to economic hardships in Southern states post-war. Furthermore, Sherman's tactics stirred resentment among Southerners towards Union policies during Reconstruction. This tension complicated relations between Northern leaders aiming for rapid reconciliation and Southern populations struggling with their loss, shaping the political landscape for years to come.

Related terms

Total War:

A military strategy that involves engaging not only enemy combatants but also the resources and infrastructure that support them, often leading to widespread destruction.

Atlanta Campaign: A series of battles in mid-1864 leading up to the capture of Atlanta by Union forces, setting the stage for Sherman's March to Sea.

Confederate States: The collection of Southern states that seceded from the Union, forming their own government during the Civil War, and were heavily impacted by Sherman's campaign.