William Tecumseh Sherman

Definition

William Tecumseh Sherman was a Union general during the American Civil War, known for his military strategy of total war and his pivotal role in the Western Theater of the war. He gained fame for his successful campaigns, especially the Siege of Vicksburg and his infamous March to the Sea, which aimed to destroy the Confederate will to fight by inflicting severe economic damage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherman's successful campaign at Vicksburg in 1863 was a turning point that helped secure Union control of the Mississippi River.
2. His March to the Sea in late 1864 was marked by widespread destruction, as Sherman aimed to disrupt Confederate supply lines and diminish morale.
3. Sherman believed that destroying resources would hasten the end of the war by breaking the spirit of the South.
4. He famously stated that 'war is hell,' highlighting his belief that total war would lead to quicker resolution and less overall suffering.
5. After his march, Sherman continued his campaigns through the Carolinas, further contributing to the collapse of Confederate resistance.

Review Questions

• How did Sherman's strategy during the Siege of Vicksburg impact the overall outcome of the Civil War?
  • Sherman's role in the Siege of Vicksburg was crucial as it not only resulted in a significant Union victory but also effectively split the Confederacy in two. This strategic victory allowed Union forces to gain control over the Mississippi River, which was vital for transporting troops and supplies. The defeat demoralized Confederate forces and was a key turning point that shifted momentum in favor of the Union.
• In what ways did Sherman's March to the Sea reflect his views on total war and its effectiveness?
  • Sherman's March to the Sea exemplified his belief in total war as he targeted not just enemy combatants but also civilian infrastructure and resources. By employing scorched earth tactics, Sherman aimed to destroy railroads, crops, and supplies that supported Confederate troops. This approach sought to undermine Southern morale and will to fight, demonstrating that economic destruction could be a powerful tool for achieving military objectives.
• Evaluate how William Tecumseh Sherman's tactics influenced post-war Reconstruction efforts in the South.
  • Sherman's tactics had a lasting impact on post-war Reconstruction as they contributed to deep-seated animosities and resentments among Southern civilians. His approach to total war left much of Georgia and South Carolina devastated, which fueled narratives of Northern aggression among Southerners. The destruction caused by Sherman made it difficult for many Southern states to recover economically during Reconstruction, influencing policies aimed at rebuilding but also at controlling Southern attitudes toward Union efforts and African American rights.

Related terms

Total War: A military strategy that involves not just targeting enemy forces but also destroying the economic resources and civilian infrastructure that support them.

March to the Sea: Sherman's military campaign from Atlanta to Savannah in late 1864, characterized by widespread destruction of infrastructure and resources in an effort to cripple the Confederacy.

Siege of Vicksburg: A significant military campaign in 1863 where Union forces, led by Sherman and Ulysses S. Grant, captured the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, splitting the Confederacy and gaining control of the Mississippi River.