What did William Tecumseh Sherman do in the Civil War? William Tecumseh Sherman, a prominent Union general, played a pivotal role in the American Civil War, particularly through his innovative and controversial military strategies. His campaigns, known as the “March to the Sea” and the “March through the Carolinas,” significantly impacted the outcome of the war and left a lasting imprint on American history.
During the Civil War, Sherman was known for his “total war” approach, which aimed to destroy the South’s economic and military infrastructure. This strategy was a departure from the traditional warfighting methods of the time, which focused on protecting the home front and maintaining a standing army. Instead, Sherman’s approach involved the destruction of enemy resources and the demoralization of the civilian population, which he believed would lead to the South’s surrender.
One of Sherman’s most famous campaigns was the “March to the Sea,” which began in November 1864. The campaign involved Sherman and his troops departing from Atlanta, Georgia, and marching through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, devastating the Southern countryside along the way. The march resulted in the destruction of railroads, factories, and civilian property, and it left a lasting scar on the South’s economy and morale.
Following the “March to the Sea,” Sherman turned his attention to the Carolinas. In 1865, he led his troops on a campaign that aimed to capture the Confederate capital of Columbia, South Carolina. This campaign, known as the “March through the Carolinas,” resulted in the destruction of Confederate infrastructure and the forced evacuation of civilians. Sherman’s actions in the Carolinas further weakened the South’s ability to continue the war.
While Sherman’s total war strategy was highly effective in achieving its objectives, it also faced criticism. Many people, including some Union soldiers, viewed his tactics as inhumane and unjust. However, Sherman’s success in the Civil War cannot be denied. His campaigns played a significant role in the Union’s victory and laid the groundwork for the Reconstruction era that followed.
In conclusion, William Tecumseh Sherman’s actions in the Civil War were both innovative and controversial. His total war strategy, including the “March to the Sea” and the “March through the Carolinas,” had a profound impact on the outcome of the war. While his tactics were met with criticism, there is no doubt that Sherman played a crucial role in the Union’s victory and the eventual reunification of the United States.
