key term - Savannah Campaign

Definition

The Savannah Campaign was a significant military operation during the American Civil War, taking place from late 1864 to early 1865. This campaign was primarily aimed at capturing the strategic coastal city of Savannah, Georgia, and involved a series of military maneuvers led by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman. It played a crucial role in the broader context of Union efforts to weaken Confederate resistance in the South.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Savannah Campaign began in mid-November 1864 after Sherman completed his successful siege of Atlanta.
2. The campaign was marked by Sherman's use of destructive tactics, including burning crops and railroads to disrupt Confederate supply lines.
3. Union forces successfully captured Savannah on December 21, 1864, which was a significant blow to Confederate morale and resources.
4. The capture of Savannah allowed the Union to control a vital port, aiding in supply logistics for further military operations in the South.
5. Sherman's strategy during the Savannah Campaign set the stage for future Union operations in South Carolina and contributed to the eventual defeat of the Confederacy.

Review Questions

• What were the main objectives of the Savannah Campaign, and how did Sherman's strategies contribute to achieving these goals?
  • The primary objective of the Savannah Campaign was to capture the city of Savannah, Georgia, which was an important Confederate port. Sherman's strategies included employing total war tactics that involved destroying infrastructure, railroads, and supplies to cripple Confederate capabilities. By systematically dismantling resources and instilling fear among civilians, Sherman not only aimed for a military victory but also sought to undermine the Confederacy's will to continue fighting.
• Discuss the impact of Sherman's March to the Sea on the overall outcome of the Civil War, particularly in relation to the Savannah Campaign.
  • Sherman's March to the Sea had a profound impact on the Civil War by demonstrating the effectiveness of total war tactics. The destruction inflicted upon Georgia's infrastructure during this campaign weakened Confederate supply lines and morale. The successful capture of Savannah not only provided a strategic win for the Union but also signaled a turning point in the war that further demoralized Confederate forces across the South, ultimately contributing to their surrender.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Savannah Campaign influenced post-war Reconstruction efforts in Georgia and the South.
  • The successful completion of the Savannah Campaign significantly influenced post-war Reconstruction efforts by establishing Union control over a vital economic hub. After its capture, Savannah served as a base for Union forces during Reconstruction, which aimed to rebuild and reform Southern society. The widespread destruction caused by Sherman's tactics also led to debates over how best to integrate former Confederate states back into the Union, setting a complex stage for Reconstruction policies that would shape Georgia's future.

Related terms

William Tecumseh Sherman: A Union general known for his 'March to the Sea' and his strategy of total war, which aimed to destroy the South's will to fight.

March to the Sea: Sherman's military campaign that involved marching from Atlanta to Savannah, destroying infrastructure and supplies along the way to demoralize Confederate forces.

Confederate States of America:

A coalition of Southern states that seceded from the Union during the Civil War, seeking to preserve slavery and maintain their independence.