Scorched earth policy

Definition

The scorched earth policy is a military strategy that involves destroying anything that could be useful to the enemy while advancing through or retreating from an area. This tactic aims to deny the enemy resources such as food, equipment, and shelter, thereby weakening their ability to sustain military operations. In the context of Sherman's March to the Sea, this strategy was employed to devastate the South’s infrastructure and morale, ultimately contributing to the Union's victory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherman's use of the scorched earth policy was aimed at crippling the Confederate war effort by destroying railroads, bridges, and supplies.
2. This strategy not only inflicted physical damage but also sought to break the will of Southern civilians and soldiers by showcasing the Union's power.
3. Sherman's campaign was marked by a systematic approach, where troops were instructed to forage for food and destroy anything that could aid the Confederate army.
4. The impact of the scorched earth policy was profound, contributing significantly to the South's eventual surrender by leaving areas economically devastated.
5. The implementation of this policy during Sherman's March became a controversial topic, raising moral questions about the treatment of civilians in wartime.

Review Questions

• How did Sherman's application of the scorched earth policy during his March to the Sea affect both military strategy and civilian morale in the South?
  • Sherman's use of the scorched earth policy during his March to the Sea was designed not only to weaken Confederate military capabilities but also to undermine civilian morale. By systematically destroying resources and infrastructure, Sherman's troops made it clear that the Union was relentless and powerful. This approach instilled fear and despair among Southern civilians, contributing to a sense of hopelessness about their ability to sustain the war effort.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the scorched earth policy in achieving Union objectives during Sherman's March to the Sea.
  • The scorched earth policy proved highly effective in achieving Union objectives during Sherman's March to the Sea. By destroying supplies, railroads, and other critical resources, Sherman's campaign severely limited Confederate logistical capabilities. This devastation not only hampered military operations but also sent a strong psychological message that contributed to diminishing Southern resistance and hastened their eventual surrender.
• Analyze how Sherman's implementation of the scorched earth policy reflected broader trends in warfare during the Civil War, particularly in terms of civilian involvement.
  • Sherman's scorched earth policy reflects a significant shift in warfare during the Civil War, where civilians increasingly became direct targets of military strategy. This tactic aligns with broader trends of total war, where entire societies were mobilized for war efforts and subjected to its consequences. By making civilians part of the battlefield dynamic, Sherman aimed not just at defeating armies but at breaking the spirit of an entire region. This marked a departure from traditional warfare practices and highlighted a more brutal approach that had lasting implications for how wars were conducted in future conflicts.

Related terms

Total War: A form of warfare that involves not just engaging enemy combatants but also targeting civilian infrastructure and resources to diminish the enemy's capacity to fight.

William Tecumseh Sherman: A Union general during the Civil War who led the March to the Sea, implementing the scorched earth policy as part of his military strategy.

March to the Sea: A military campaign led by Sherman in late 1864, where Union forces marched from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia, destroying military targets as well as civilian property along the way.