Sherman's Bold March to Savannah
Union General William Tecumseh Sherman commenced his March to the Sea from Atlanta, Georgia, aiming to cripple the Confederate war effort. Sherman’s army of 60,000 men marched across the state to Savannah, implementing a strategy of total war, intending to destroy both military targets and civilian infrastructure. The march covered approximately 300 miles and lasted until December 21. This campaign aimed to disrupt supply lines and will to fight for the Confederacy.
Sherman led 60,000 Union troops to Savannah.
The march spanned approximately 300 miles.
Strategy included destroying military and civilian resources.
Significantly impacted Southern morale and infrastructure.
What Happened?
William Tecumseh Sherman initiated his March to the Sea, a significant military campaign during the American Civil War. This movement began after the capture of Atlanta, Georgia, which was a crucial transportation and supply hub for the Confederacy. Sherman believed that destroying the South's economic resources would hasten the end of the war. He strategized to move swiftly through Georgia, leading his troops to live off the land while causing widespread destruction to railroads, factories, and plantations along the way. Sherman’s army was well-versed in the principles of total war, allowing them to demoralize the Confederate forces by demonstrating the Union’s capability to wage war on civilian populations.
As Sherman's forces progressed, they faced minimal organized resistance from Confederate troops, allowing them to advance rapidly. By the time they reached Savannah, the Union army had cut a swath of devastation approximately 60 miles wide. The impact of this destruction was profound; Sherman's tactics aimed not only to achieve military victory but also to break the spirit of the Southern populace. The march concluded with the capture of Savannah in December 1864, which further solidified Union control over the region and disrupted Southern logistics.
Sherman's March to the Sea remains a controversial aspect of the Civil War. While it severely damaged Confederate resources and morale, it also raised ethical questions about the treatment of civilians and the conduct of war. Sherman's strategy was later adopted in various forms in future conflicts, illustrating the complexities of warfare in modern times.
Why Does it Matter?
Sherman's March to the Sea is intriguing for its use of total war tactics, reshaping military strategies in future conflicts. It highlighted the Union's commitment to not only defeating Confederate armies but also striking at the heart of the Southern economy and civilian life, ultimately contributing to the Union victory. This approach changed the dynamics of warfare and raised important ethical considerations that are still discussed today.