William Tecumseh Sherman

Definition

William Tecumseh Sherman was a Union general during the American Civil War, known for his significant military strategy and leadership, particularly his implementation of 'total war' tactics against the Confederacy. Sherman's most notable campaign, known as the March to the Sea, aimed to destroy the South's economic resources and morale, thereby hastening the end of the war. His actions not only contributed to the Union victory but also shaped military strategies in future conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherman's March to the Sea covered approximately 300 miles and involved destroying railroads, crops, and supplies to undermine the Confederate war effort.
2. He believed that making war harsh on Southern civilians would lead them to abandon their support for the Confederacy, thus shortening the conflict.
3. Sherman faced criticism for his tactics, which many viewed as brutal and excessive, but he argued they were necessary for a swift end to the war.
4. After the war, Sherman served as Commanding General of the United States Army from 1869 to 1883, influencing military policy during Reconstruction.
5. His famous quote, 'War is hell,' encapsulates his belief in the harsh realities of war and justified his approach to achieving victory.

Review Questions

• How did Sherman's strategy of total war impact both military tactics and civilian life during the Civil War?
  • Sherman's strategy of total war fundamentally changed military tactics by emphasizing the importance of destroying not just enemy forces but also their economic capacity and civilian morale. His approach resulted in widespread devastation in areas he marched through, which caused significant suffering among civilians. This shift in tactics was aimed at hastening an end to the conflict by making it clear that war would disrupt everyday life, thus encouraging Southern populations to reconsider their allegiance to the Confederacy.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Sherman's March to the Sea in terms of its immediate military outcomes and long-term consequences for Reconstruction.
  • Sherman's March to the Sea was effective in achieving its immediate military objectives by crippling Confederate supply lines and infrastructure, which contributed significantly to the Union's ultimate victory. The march also had lasting effects on Reconstruction as it demonstrated the necessity of addressing issues such as land ownership and economic recovery in the South. The destruction wrought by Sherman raised complex questions about rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved people into society after the war.
• Analyze how William Tecumseh Sherman's views on warfare reflected broader societal attitudes towards conflict during and after the Civil War.
  • Sherman's views on warfare, particularly his belief in total war as a means to achieve swift victories, reflected a broader societal attitude that increasingly accepted brutal strategies as necessary for achieving national goals. His perspective highlighted a transition in American thought regarding warfare where efficiency often overshadowed humanitarian concerns. Post-war, this mentality influenced debates about military intervention and foreign policy, suggesting that Sherman’s approach had lasting implications beyond just the Civil War, resonating through future conflicts where total war strategies were employed.

Related terms

Total War:

A military strategy that aims to destroy not only the enemy's armed forces but also its economic resources and civilian infrastructure.

March to the Sea:

A military campaign led by Sherman from Atlanta to Savannah in late 1864, which focused on destroying Confederate supplies and infrastructure.

Battle of Atlanta:

A significant battle fought in July 1864 that resulted in a Union victory and paved the way for Sherman's subsequent march through Georgia.