General William Tecumseh Sherman was one of the most influential military leaders of the American Civil War, remembered for his bold strategies, controversial tactics, and unwavering determination. He played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the war and the future of warfare itself. Known especially for his ‘March to the Sea,’ Sherman’s campaigns devastated the Confederate South both economically and psychologically. His approach to total war changed how military operations were conducted and left a lasting legacy on the history of the United States.
Early Military Career and Background
Formative Years
William Tecumseh Sherman was born in 1820 in Lancaster, Ohio. After the early death of his father, he was raised by a family friend, Thomas Ewing, a prominent politician. Sherman attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1840. Though not at the top of his class, he was recognized for his intelligence and organizational skills.
Before the Civil War, Sherman served in various administrative and military roles. He resigned from the army in 1853 and worked in banking and education, including a position as the head of the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy (now Louisiana State University).
Rejoining the Army
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Sherman rejoined the Union Army. Initially, he struggled with command responsibilities and suffered a nervous breakdown, leading to criticism and doubts about his competence. However, under the mentorship of General Ulysses S. Grant, Sherman found his footing and quickly rose to prominence.
Role in Key Civil War Campaigns
Battle of Shiloh
One of Sherman’s first major engagements was the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. Serving under Grant, Sherman was wounded twice and had three horses shot out from under him. Despite being caught off guard by the Confederate attack, he held his ground and contributed significantly to the Union’s eventual victory.
Vicksburg Campaign
Sherman played a crucial role in the Vicksburg Campaign, which aimed to gain control of the Mississippi River and divide the Confederacy. He led diversionary attacks and supported Grant’s siege of the city, which ultimately surrendered on July 4, 1863. The fall of Vicksburg was a major turning point in the war.
Chattanooga and Atlanta Campaigns
After the Union’s success at Vicksburg, Sherman took part in the Chattanooga Campaign and was later appointed commander of the Military Division of the Mississippi. In 1864, he launched the Atlanta Campaign, engaging Confederate forces across northern Georgia. After months of intense fighting, he captured Atlanta on September 2, 1864. This victory boosted Northern morale and helped secure President Abraham Lincoln’s reelection.
Sherman’s March to the Sea
Objectives and Strategy
Following the capture of Atlanta, Sherman proposed a bold plan to march his army from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia, cutting a swath through the heart of the Confederacy. His goal was to destroy Confederate supply lines, cripple infrastructure, and break Southern morale. This operation would become known as Sherman’s March to the Sea.
Total War Tactics
Sherman employed a strategy of total war, targeting not just enemy soldiers but also the economic and civilian resources that supported the war effort. His troops tore up railroads, burned crops, destroyed factories, and seized supplies. Though civilians were not directly harmed, their property was often looted or destroyed, causing hardship and fear throughout the South.
End Result of the March
The march covered over 300 miles and lasted from November 15 to December 21, 1864. Sherman’s forces captured Savannah just before Christmas and presented it to President Lincoln as a gift. The campaign severely weakened the Confederate war effort and demonstrated the Union’s ability to operate deep within enemy territory without supply lines.
Final Campaigns and the End of the War
Carolinas Campaign
After Savannah, Sherman continued north through the Carolinas. His forces destroyed railroads and infrastructure in South Carolina, the first state to secede from the Union. North Carolina faced less destruction, but Sherman’s troops still engaged in skirmishes with Confederate forces.
Surrender and Aftermath
In April 1865, Sherman accepted the surrender of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston in North Carolina, effectively ending major combat in the eastern theater. Sherman’s agreement with Johnston initially included generous political terms, which were rejected by Washington, leading to a revised surrender.
Legacy and Controversy
Impact on Military Doctrine
Sherman’s use of total war influenced future military strategies and was a precursor to the modern concept of psychological warfare. His campaigns demonstrated that breaking the enemy’s will to fight could be just as important as winning battles.
Southern Perspective
In the postwar South, Sherman was often vilified for the destruction his army wrought. His tactics left a deep psychological scar, and stories of burning towns and ruined plantations became part of Southern memory. However, many of these tales were exaggerated or based on local rumors rather than official policy.
Reconstruction and Later Life
After the war, Sherman served as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army from 1869 to 1883. He oversaw the Indian Wars in the West and worked to reorganize the army. He declined several offers to run for president, famously stating, I will not accept if nominated and will not serve if elected.
General William Tecumseh Sherman was a complex and determined military leader whose strategies helped bring about the Union victory in the American Civil War. His legacy is marked by both admiration and controversy. To his supporters, he was a brilliant general who understood the harsh realities of war. To his critics, he symbolized the ruthless destruction of the South. Either way, Sherman remains one of the most consequential figures in American military history, and his campaigns continue to be studied for their innovation and effectiveness.