Sherman's March to the Sea

Definition

Sherman's March to the Sea was a military campaign led by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman during the American Civil War, specifically from November 15 to December 21, 1864. This campaign involved a destructive march from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia, with the aim of crippling the Confederacy's war effort by targeting not only military objectives but also civilian infrastructure, thereby impacting home front experiences and economic challenges throughout the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherman's March covered approximately 285 miles in just over a month, employing tactics of total war to break the spirit and resources of the Confederacy.
2. The march significantly disrupted supply lines and devastated plantations and towns, leading to widespread destruction that left many civilians homeless and impoverished.
3. Sherman's forces practiced 'foraging,' taking food and supplies from local farms and communities, which further strained the Southern economy.
4. The campaign culminated with the capture of Savannah on December 21, 1864, which was strategically important for the Union's naval operations.
5. Sherman's tactics and their implications raised ethical questions about warfare, particularly regarding the treatment of civilians and property during conflict.

Review Questions

• How did Sherman's March to the Sea reflect the concept of total war and its impact on both military and civilian life in Georgia?
  • Sherman's March to the Sea exemplified total war by deliberately targeting not only Confederate military assets but also civilian infrastructure and resources. This approach aimed to weaken the South’s ability to sustain its war effort while simultaneously instilling fear and desperation among the civilian population. As Sherman's troops marched through Georgia, they destroyed railroads, telegraph lines, and food supplies, drastically affecting everyday life and contributing to significant economic challenges for civilians.
• Discuss the effects of Sherman's March on the Confederate States' morale and their political standing during the latter part of the Civil War.
  • Sherman's March had a profound demoralizing effect on both Confederate soldiers and civilians as it showcased the Union's ability to conduct a successful offensive deep into Southern territory. The widespread destruction caused by Sherman's troops not only diminished physical resources but also shook public confidence in the Confederate government's ability to protect its citizens. This loss of morale further exacerbated political tensions within the Confederacy, undermining support for continuing the fight against Union forces.
• Evaluate how Sherman's tactics during his march influenced future military strategies in both American warfare and global conflicts.
  • Sherman's tactics during his March to the Sea set a precedent for modern warfare by emphasizing the importance of undermining an enemy's will to fight through psychological warfare combined with physical destruction. This holistic approach influenced military strategies in later conflicts by showing that breaking an enemy's spirit could be as effective as traditional battles. The tactics employed by Sherman have been studied and replicated in various forms across global conflicts, highlighting an evolution in how war is conducted with an understanding of both military objectives and civilian impacts.

Related terms

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

Atlanta Campaign: A series of battles fought in the summer of 1864 that resulted in the Union capturing Atlanta, setting the stage for Sherman's subsequent march.

Confederate States of America: A collection of secessionist states that formed their own government in opposition to the United States during the Civil War, including Georgia as a key member.