Who is he?
William Tecumseh Sherman is one of the most successful union generals he received commendations for his outstanding military strategy however he also received harsh criticisms about his scorched earth policy he led a scar through the heart of the south and burned down everything in his path to Georgia. When he captured Atlanta he had is army order it's inhabitants out and burned down major parts of the city foreshadowing his march to the sea. After Sherman took Atlanta he placed his sights on the sea and marched his armies east proclaiming he could "Make Georgia howl" he then led a scorch earth army across the south with soldiers raiding and burning southern property. His movements were successful and he soon captured Savannah and offered the city to Lincoln as a Christmas gift when he was considered to replace Grant, Sherman vehemently denied the promotion and stated Grant was their for him and he would be there for Grant proving his loyalty to his friend. Sherman waged total war on the south and it was his philosophy that in order to win the south had to be crushed and made unable to fight, and he successfully did that. After the war Sherman succeeded Grant as commanding general of the army, he led the front against the native Americans for 15 years. He famously quoted "War is hell." He didn't glorify war and he understood it's implications and it's consequences on men. He detested politics and when he died confederate general Johnston whom was his rival during the war was his pallbearer he caught pneumonia at the funeral and died one month later.
Interesting post about General Sherman and his actions during the Civil War. It raises questions about his character, while also focusing on the importance of the actions for the Union war effort. In your opinion, Did Sherman's controversial tactics, such as the scorched earth policy, work out for the better in the end?
ReplyDeleteFor more information: http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/shermans-march