William Tecumseh Sherman

Definition

William Tecumseh Sherman was a Union general during the American Civil War, known for his controversial strategy of total war and his famous 'March to the Sea.' His tactics aimed to cripple the Confederacy's ability to fight by destroying resources and infrastructure, which also had significant implications for Native American populations and the buffalo extermination that followed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sherman's 'March to the Sea' in 1864 was aimed at destroying Confederate supply lines and weakening morale, showcasing the brutal realities of total war.
2. His tactics led to widespread destruction in Georgia, which further fueled resentment among Southern civilians towards the Union.
3. Sherman believed that his strategy would shorten the war and ultimately save lives, even as it inflicted severe hardship on civilians and Native Americans.
4. Post-Civil War, Sherman's military policies continued to impact Native American tribes as westward expansion intensified, leading to further displacement and violence.
5. Sherman's approach to warfare reflected a shift in military strategy during the Civil War, emphasizing psychological warfare alongside physical destruction.

Review Questions

• How did Sherman's tactics during the Civil War influence attitudes toward warfare in America?
  • Sherman's tactics introduced the concept of total war, where entire regions and civilian resources were targeted to weaken an enemy. This approach marked a significant shift from traditional military engagements focused solely on battlefield confrontations. By showing that civilian infrastructure could be legitimate targets, Sherman's methods changed how wars would be conducted in America, emphasizing the psychological impact on populations as well as military outcomes.
• Discuss how Sherman's military strategies affected Native American communities after the Civil War.
  • Sherman's military strategies had lasting repercussions for Native American communities as his tactics laid groundwork for future conflicts. The destruction caused during his campaigns contributed to an environment where buffalo populations were decimated due to increased hunting pressures from settlers and railroads. This loss directly impacted Native Americans who relied on buffalo for their livelihoods, leading to increased poverty, displacement, and conflict in the ensuing Indian Wars.
• Evaluate Sherman's legacy in terms of both military strategy and its long-term consequences on Native American relations.
  • Sherman's legacy is complex; while he is celebrated for his military leadership during the Civil War, his strategies also had devastating effects on Native American relations. His belief in total war not only altered military tactics but also perpetuated cycles of violence and displacement against Native tribes post-war. The consequences of his actions contributed to the broader narrative of American expansionism that marginalized indigenous populations, leaving a lasting impact on their cultures and livelihoods that persists today.

Related terms

Total War: A military strategy that involves destroying not just the enemy's army but also its economic resources and infrastructure to diminish its ability to sustain a war.

Buffalo Extermination: The mass killing of buffalo populations in the 19th century, primarily driven by westward expansion and railroad construction, which devastated Native American livelihoods.

Indian Wars: A series of conflicts between American settlers and Native American tribes that occurred as settlers encroached upon indigenous lands in the late 19th century.