key term - Sherman's March to the Sea

Definition

Sherman's March to the Sea was a military campaign conducted by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman during the American Civil War from November 15 to December 21, 1864. This march from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia, aimed to cripple the Confederate war effort by destroying infrastructure and supplies while instilling fear in the civilian population. The campaign is notable for its use of total war tactics, which sought to break the will of the Southern states through widespread destruction.

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 as they advanced.
2. The campaign resulted in the destruction of railroads, warehouses, cotton gins, and other critical infrastructure, severely disrupting Confederate supply lines.
3. Sherman's tactics were controversial, as they involved significant destruction of civilian property, leading to debates about the morality of total war.
4. The march concluded with the capture of Savannah on December 21, 1864, which further weakened the Confederacy both militarily and psychologically.
5. Sherman's March to the Sea is often credited with hastening the end of the Civil War by demonstrating the Union's overwhelming power and resolve.

Review Questions

• How did Sherman's March to the Sea embody the concept of total war in its execution and objectives?
  • Sherman's March to the Sea exemplified total war by deliberately targeting not only Confederate armies but also civilian infrastructure and resources crucial for sustaining the Southern war effort. The Union troops destroyed railroads, factories, and food supplies as they moved through Georgia, aiming to demoralize both the enemy soldiers and civilians. This strategy sought to break the spirit of resistance in the South and expedite a conclusion to the Civil War by demonstrating that no part of Southern society was immune from the consequences of war.
• Discuss how Sherman's capture of Atlanta prior to his march influenced his strategy and morale during Sherman's March to the Sea.
  • The capture of Atlanta provided a significant logistical advantage for Sherman as it served as a vital transportation hub for Confederate supplies. This victory boosted Union morale and showcased Sherman's strategic prowess, making him more confident in executing his march through Georgia. The fall of Atlanta also disrupted Confederate communications and resource flow, reinforcing Sherman's strategy of total war by further isolating Southern forces and reducing their ability to resist during his destructive campaign towards Savannah.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Sherman's March to the Sea on post-war Reconstruction efforts in the South and its influence on American military strategy in future conflicts.
  • Sherman's March to the Sea had significant long-term impacts on post-war Reconstruction efforts by leaving a legacy of destruction that complicated rebuilding efforts in Georgia and other Southern states. The devastation instilled fear and resentment among Southerners while highlighting the need for a new approach towards reconciliation between North and South. Additionally, Sherman's use of total war influenced future American military strategies, demonstrating that targeting not just armies but also civilian infrastructure could effectively weaken an enemy's resolve. This approach would resurface in later conflicts, shaping U.S. military doctrine in ways that continue to resonate today.

Related terms

Total War:

A military strategy that involves not just attacking enemy combatants but also targeting civilian resources and infrastructure that support the enemy's war effort.

Atlanta Campaign: A series of battles fought throughout the summer of 1864 that resulted in the Union capturing Atlanta, which was a significant transportation hub for the Confederacy.

Confederate States: The collection of Southern states that seceded from the Union during the Civil War, seeking to maintain slavery and states' rights.