Lesson Plans for the U.S. Civil War: Sherman’s March to the Sea: The Fire That Broke the Confederacy
A Plan of Fire and Fear
The war had raged for three long, bloody years. The fields of Virginia and Tennessee had seen rivers of blood, and still, the Confederacy fought on. By the spring of 1864, Union General Ulysses S. Grant knew that a relentless offensive was the only way to crush the rebellion. He ordered his most trusted and ruthless subordinate, General William Tecumseh Sherman, to take the fight deep into the heart of the South.
Sherman’s mission was clear but audacious: March from Atlanta to the sea, destroying everything of military value along the way. His goal was not only to sever the Confederacy’s ability to wage war but also to break the spirit of its people. He believed that war should be made so terrible that the Southern people would never again take up arms against the Union.
With Grant locked in brutal combat with General Robert E. Lee in Virginia, Sherman was to strike the Southern heartland. If he succeeded, the Confederacy’s ability to supply its armies would collapse, and its will to resist might shatter entirely.
The Fall of Atlanta: A City in Flames
Before the march could begin, Sherman had to capture Atlanta, the industrial and transportation hub of the South. For months, his men clashed with the forces of Confederate General John Bell Hood, pushing them back in a series of fierce battles. In September 1864, after relentless pressure, Hood abandoned Atlanta, and Union forces moved in.
Sherman wasted no time. He ordered civilians to evacuate and had his men burn key buildings, railroads, and factories—anything that could support the Confederate war effort. The fires roared, lighting up the night sky, a foreboding omen of what was to come. Atlanta’s fall was a decisive blow to the Confederacy, but for Sherman, it was only the beginning.
Into the Heart of the South: The March Begins
On November 15, 1864, Sherman cut off his supply lines and divided his 60,000 troops into two columns. His army would live off the land, taking what they needed from farms and plantations. This strategy, known as foraging, soon turned into widespread looting. Union soldiers, nicknamed “bummers,” ransacked Southern homes, taking food, livestock, and valuables.
As the army moved southeast, the destruction spread. Railroads were torn up and twisted into grotesque shapes—“Sherman’s Neckties”—to ensure they could never be used again. Mills and granaries were put to the torch, their flames consuming Southern hope. Town after town fell, and with each step, Sherman carved his name into the nightmares of the South.
The Impact on the South: A Broken Spirit
The Confederate army was powerless to stop him. Hood’s forces had been drawn westward in a futile attempt to threaten Tennessee, and the few remaining Southern troops were too scattered and outnumbered to resist. Civilians could only watch in horror as Union troops burned barns, destroyed bridges, and emptied storehouses.
Word spread quickly: Sherman was unstoppable. Planters fled, leaving their slaves and possessions behind. In his wake, thousands of formerly enslaved men, women, and children followed the Union army, seeking freedom. But their journey was fraught with peril. At Ebenezer Creek, Sherman’s forces crossed the water on makeshift pontoons. Desperate freedmen tried to follow, but as Confederate cavalry approached, Union troops pulled up the bridge, leaving many to drown or be captured and re-enslaved. It was a dark stain on the march, yet Sherman pushed forward, unyielding.
The Fall of Savannah: A Christmas Gift to Lincoln
For a month, the army carved a path of ruin through Georgia, finally arriving at the coastal city of Savannah in mid-December. Unlike Atlanta, Savannah was spared the torch. Confederate forces had already fled, leaving the city open for occupation.
On December 21, 1864, Sherman sent a telegraph to President Abraham Lincoln:
"I beg to present you, as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, also about 25,000 bales of cotton."
Lincoln, struggling to hold the Union together politically, was overjoyed. Sherman’s victory boosted Northern morale and ensured that Lincoln’s re-election in 1864 would not be contested. The war was still raging, but the Confederacy was now gasping its final breaths.
Aftermath: The Road to the End
Sherman’s march had crippled the South’s infrastructure, disrupted its economy, and shattered its will to fight. In the spring of 1865, he turned northward, marching through the Carolinas, delivering the same punishment to South Carolina—the first state to secede. Meanwhile, Grant tightened his grip on Lee in Virginia.
By April 1865, the war was over. Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House, and the Confederacy collapsed. But the scars of Sherman’s March remained. Georgia had been gutted, South Carolina was in ruins, and the South’s economy would take decades to recover. Many Southerners never forgave him, branding him as a villain, while Union supporters hailed him as a military genius who had brought the war to a swift end.
The State of the U.S. Civil War in Early 1864: Union and Confederate Strategies
By early 1864, the American Civil War had entered its fourth year, with both the Union and the Confederacy facing mounting pressures. The war had shifted from an initial expectation of a short conflict into a prolonged and devastating struggle. While the Union had gained significant ground in the western theater, the Confederacy still posed a formidable resistance in the east, particularly under the leadership of General Robert E. Lee. With the presidential election looming in November 1864, Union leaders sought decisive victories, while the Confederacy aimed to prolong the war in hopes of a political shift in the North.
Union Strategy: The Overland Campaign and Total War
By early 1864, President Abraham Lincoln had appointed Ulysses S. Grant as General-in-Chief of the Union Army, giving him authority over all Northern forces. Grant’s primary objective was to bring relentless pressure on the Confederacy by coordinating multiple offensives across different fronts. His overarching plan was twofold:
Crush Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia in the East – This would be accomplished through a series of continuous engagements designed to wear down Confederate forces, even at great cost to Union troops.
Destroy Confederate infrastructure and resources in the Deep South – To make continued resistance impossible, the Union would wage a form of Total War, targeting not only military forces but also transportation networks, supplies, and Southern morale.
Grant personally led the Overland Campaign, beginning in May 1864, a brutal series of battles designed to pin down Lee’s forces and prevent them from reinforcing other parts of the Confederacy. This campaign, marked by bloody engagements at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor, resulted in massive Union casualties but forced Lee into a defensive posture.
Meanwhile, General William Tecumseh Sherman was tasked with capturing Atlanta, Georgia, a crucial industrial and transportation hub. His Atlanta Campaign, which would begin in May 1864, aimed to disrupt the South’s war effort and pave the way for an even more destructive campaign: Sherman’s March to the Sea. The Union’s new strategy embraced the philosophy of Total War, where military success depended not only on battlefield victories but also on economic destruction and psychological warfare.
Additionally, the Union Navy maintained a blockade of Confederate ports, severely limiting the South’s ability to trade cotton for much-needed supplies. Alongside these military efforts, the North also pursued recruitment of African American soldiers, bolstered by the Emancipation Proclamation, adding fresh manpower to their forces.
Confederate Strategy: Survival and Political Pressure
By early 1864, the Confederacy found itself on the defensive, suffering from severe shortages of supplies, men, and international support. However, Southern leaders remained determined to hold out, believing that if they could prolong the war, Northern political will might collapse—especially with a contentious presidential election approaching. Confederate President Jefferson Davis and General Robert E. Lee pinned their hopes on two key strategies:
Defensive Warfare and Attrition – Lee understood that the Confederacy lacked the manpower and resources for large-scale offensives. Instead, he sought to inflict maximum casualties on Grant’s forces, hoping that Northern public opinion would turn against Lincoln and force a peace settlement. His defensive maneuvers in Virginia aimed to hold key cities such as Richmond and Petersburg while minimizing direct engagements that could lead to disastrous defeats.
Guerrilla Tactics and Raiding Strategies – Confederate generals like Nathan Bedford Forrest and John Mosby launched raids behind Union lines, disrupting supply chains and communications. Meanwhile, General Joseph E. Johnston, in command of Confederate forces in Georgia, used delaying tactics to slow Sherman’s advance toward Atlanta, hoping to buy time for reinforcements or a shift in the war’s momentum.
Political and Diplomatic Hopes – The Confederacy’s greatest hope in 1864 was that Lincoln would lose re-election, leading to a negotiated peace. Confederate leaders saw Union war weariness as their best chance for survival. They also continued diplomatic efforts to gain European recognition, though by this point, neither Britain nor France was willing to openly support the South.
Despite these efforts, the Confederacy was facing mounting challenges. Food shortages and economic collapse were devastating morale on the home front, while desertions from the Confederate army increased. Enslaved people fleeing to Union lines further weakened the South’s labor force. Even though Lee remained a formidable opponent, the resource imbalance between North and South was becoming more apparent.
The War at a Turning Point
Early 1864 marked a critical turning point in the Civil War. The Union, under Grant’s leadership, adopted a hard-hitting, relentless approach to grind down Confederate resistance. Sherman’s impending Atlanta Campaign and March to the Sea would soon devastate the South’s ability to continue the war. Meanwhile, Lee’s forces, though still formidable, faced increasing pressure from Grant’s sustained offensives.
The outcome of the war now rested not only on military victories but also on political developments in the North. If Lincoln lost re-election in November 1864, the new president might negotiate peace, potentially allowing the Confederacy to survive. However, if Union forces could secure major victories before the election, Lincoln’s chances would improve, ensuring the continuation of the Union’s aggressive war strategy.
Total War as a Military Strategy: Definition, History, and Impact
Defining Total War
Total war is a military strategy that extends beyond traditional battlefield engagements by targeting an enemy's civilian infrastructure, economy, and morale to cripple its ability to continue fighting. Unlike conventional warfare, where the focus remains on defeating opposing armies, total war recognizes that wars are not just fought by soldiers but are supported by entire societies—including industries, transportation networks, and civilian populations.
Key characteristics of total war include:
Destruction of supply lines: Railroads, warehouses, and transportation hubs are destroyed to prevent armies from receiving reinforcements and supplies.
Targeting of industry and agriculture: Factories, mills, and farms are burned or seized to deprive the enemy of resources.
Psychological warfare: The suffering of civilians is used as a means to break an enemy’s will to fight.
Unrestricted military operations: Instead of avoiding damage to non-combatants, total war acknowledges that civilians and their property may be directly affected.
While total war has been employed in conflicts throughout history, it gained particular prominence during the American Civil War, notably in General William Tecumseh Sherman's March to the Sea (1864). His campaign exemplified this strategy by systematically destroying Southern infrastructure and morale, effectively accelerating the collapse of the Confederacy.
How Sherman’s Strategy Differed from Earlier Military Campaigns
Before Sherman, most military campaigns focused on engaging enemy forces directly. While armies would seize supplies or occupy cities, they typically avoided widespread destruction of civilian property unless it served an immediate tactical purpose. Even earlier in the Civil War, Union generals had tried limited war strategies, capturing Confederate cities but often leaving infrastructure intact in hopes of a negotiated peace.
Sherman, however, recognized that the Confederacy’s war effort was deeply intertwined with its civilian economy. He believed that to end the war quickly, the South’s ability to sustain its armies had to be annihilated. His strategy differed in several key ways:
He Abandoned Supply Lines – Most armies relied on long supply chains to sustain them deep in enemy territory. Sherman instead cut off his own supply lines and instructed his soldiers to live off the land, taking food and resources from Southern farms and towns.
He Used Psychological Warfare – Unlike previous generals, Sherman aimed to break the will of the Southern people. His troops burned crops, destroyed railroads, and looted plantations—not just to disrupt logistics but also to send a clear message: resistance was futile.
He Targeted Infrastructure – Railroads were not just captured but were torn up and twisted beyond repair ("Sherman’s Neckties"). Mills, barns, and factories were deliberately set ablaze to ensure that the South could not rebuild its war effort.
He Spared No Region – Unlike earlier campaigns that focused on key strategic cities, Sherman marched through the heartland of Georgia and South Carolina, devastating rural areas that had previously been untouched by war.
By the time Sherman reached Savannah in December 1864, he had left a 60-mile-wide path of destruction that made it nearly impossible for the Confederacy to continue the war. His strategy shifted the Civil War from a battle between armies to a battle against an entire society—a hallmark of total war.
Impact on Civilians: War Crime or Necessary Strategy?
Sherman’s March to the Sea remains one of the most controversial campaigns in American history. While it played a decisive role in ending the war, it also raised ethical questions about the treatment of civilians in wartime.
Economic Devastation and Hardship
For Southern civilians, Sherman’s campaign was catastrophic. Entire towns were left in ruins, and thousands were left without food, shelter, or resources. The destruction of railroads and supply lines caused widespread famine, and many families who had relied on plantation agriculture lost everything.
Thousands of formerly enslaved people followed Sherman’s troops, seeking freedom and protection. However, some, like those at Ebenezer Creek, were left behind when Union forces abandoned makeshift bridges, resulting in tragedy as many drowned or were recaptured.
Moral and Legal Controversy
Critics, especially in the post-war South, accused Sherman of committing atrocities against civilians, arguing that his actions violated the moral code of war. Some historians argue that his campaign bordered on war crimes by intentionally targeting non-combatants and causing widespread suffering.
However, others argue that Sherman’s strategy was a necessity. By 1864, the Confederacy showed no signs of surrendering, and its leaders were determined to fight to the last man. Lincoln’s re-election in November 1864 depended on continued military victories, and the prolonged war had already cost hundreds of thousands of lives. If Sherman’s campaign hastened the end of the war, some argue that it saved lives in the long run.
Even Sherman himself defended his actions, famously stating:
"War is cruelty. There is no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over."
Legacy of Total War
Sherman’s use of total war set a precedent for future conflicts. His tactics influenced the strategic bombing campaigns of World War II, where civilian industry and infrastructure were deliberately targeted to weaken enemy nations. The concept of destroying an enemy’s will to fight rather than just defeating its armies became a central theme in modern warfare.
The Battle for Atlanta: The Fight That Opened the South
In the summer of 1864, Atlanta, Georgia, became the focal point of a brutal campaign that would help decide the fate of the American Civil War. The city was a key Confederate stronghold, home to vital railroads, supply depots, and manufacturing centers that kept the Southern war effort alive. Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, tasked with crushing the Confederacy’s ability to fight, set his sights on Atlanta as a primary target.
Over the course of several months, Sherman’s armies clashed with Confederate forces in a series of fierce battles, gradually surrounding the city. However, Atlanta was well-defended, and taking it would not be easy. The Confederates, led by General Joseph E. Johnston and later General John Bell Hood, fought desperately to hold their ground. Despite these efforts, by early September 1864, Atlanta fell to Union forces, marking a turning point in the war.
The Strategic Importance of Atlanta
By 1864, the Confederacy was struggling, but it was far from defeated. While Union General Ulysses S. Grant was engaged in a brutal war of attrition against Robert E. Lee in Virginia, Sherman was ordered to break the South’s ability to continue fighting by destroying its infrastructure and supply lines.
Atlanta was the South’s most important transportation hub, where multiple railroads converged. It was also home to munitions factories, supply depots, and warehouses essential for the Confederate war effort. If the Union could capture Atlanta, it would:
Sever the Confederacy’s supply lines, making it harder for Lee’s forces in Virginia to receive reinforcements.
Strike a psychological blow to the South, showing that even its strongest cities were vulnerable.
Boost Northern morale, helping secure Lincoln’s re-election in November 1864 and ensuring continued Union war efforts.
For the Confederacy, holding Atlanta was a matter of survival. Losing the city would make it nearly impossible to sustain the war effort.
The Defenses of Atlanta: Why the Union Couldn’t Just Walk In
Atlanta was heavily fortified and well-prepared for an attack. The city’s defenses included:
A Ring of Fortifications – Confederate engineers had built a series of defensive trenches, forts, and artillery positions around the city, creating a strong inner line of defense. These fortifications forced the Union to fight its way through, rather than simply march into Atlanta.
Strategic Use of Railroads – The Confederate Army could quickly move troops and supplies around the city using rail lines, making it harder for Union forces to cut them off.
Natural Barriers – The Chattahoochee River to the west and forests around the city made a direct assault even more difficult.
A Determined Confederate Army – Under General Joseph E. Johnston, Confederate forces engaged in a series of defensive battles, trying to slow down Sherman’s advance.
While these defenses made Atlanta difficult to take, they were not impenetrable. Sherman knew that he could not simply storm the city, so he adopted a strategy of maneuver and siege, slowly cutting off Atlanta’s lifelines.
The Battle for Atlanta Begins: Sherman’s Approach
Sherman’s campaign to take Atlanta began in May 1864, when he led a force of about 100,000 Union soldiers into Georgia. Facing him was General Joseph E. Johnston, commanding roughly 60,000 Confederate troops.
Rather than engaging in frontal assaults against the city’s defenses, Sherman used flanking maneuvers, trying to force Johnston into open battle. Instead of attacking head-on, Sherman would move around the Confederates, forcing them to retreat. Key battles along the way included:
Battle of Resaca (May 13-15, 1864) – Sherman attempted to cut off Johnston’s supply lines, forcing the Confederates to withdraw further south.
Battle of Kennesaw Mountain (June 27, 1864) – One of the few times Sherman launched a frontal assault, suffering heavy casualties but continuing his advance.
Crossing the Chattahoochee River (July 9, 1864) – Sherman successfully forced the Confederates back into their last defensive positions around Atlanta.
By mid-July, Sherman’s forces had encircled Atlanta, preparing for the final push.
Hood Takes Command and the Desperate Confederate Counterattack
As Union forces closed in, Confederate President Jefferson Davis lost patience with General Johnston’s defensive tactics. On July 17, 1864, he replaced him with the more aggressive General John Bell Hood, who immediately launched bold, desperate counterattacks against Sherman.
Hood’s major offensives included:
Battle of Peachtree Creek (July 20, 1864) – Hood attempted to surprise Union forces north of Atlanta. The attack failed, costing him thousands of men.
Battle of Atlanta (July 22, 1864) – Hood launched a massive assault on Sherman’s troops east of the city. While the fighting was brutal, the Union repelled the attack, further weakening Confederate forces.
Battle of Ezra Church (July 28, 1864) – Hood tried another desperate attack but was again defeated.
Despite Hood’s aggressive tactics, Sherman continued tightening his grip on Atlanta, cutting off Confederate supply lines by capturing key railroads.
The Siege and Fall of Atlanta
By August 1864, Atlanta was under full siege. Union forces bombarded the city daily with artillery, and civilians suffered greatly from shortages of food and supplies. Confederate forces, unable to break the Union siege, were running out of options.
On August 31, 1864, Sherman’s forces launched the Battle of Jonesboro, destroying the last railroad connection into Atlanta. This forced Hood to abandon the city, ordering his troops to retreat south on September 1, 1864. Before leaving, Hood set fire to ammunition depots and destroyed remaining supplies to prevent them from falling into Union hands.
On September 2, 1864, Union forces marched into Atlanta unopposed. The city had fallen.
The Aftermath and Significance of the Battle of Atlanta
The capture of Atlanta was one of the most decisive victories of the Civil War. Its effects were immediate and far-reaching:
The Confederacy Was Crippled – With its transportation and industrial center gone, the South’s ability to sustain the war effort was fatally weakened.
Lincoln’s Re-Election Was Secured – Before Atlanta’s fall, many in the North doubted Lincoln’s ability to win the war. With Sherman’s victory, Northern morale surged, ensuring Lincoln’s victory in the November 1864 election.
Sherman’s March to the Sea Was Set in Motion – With Atlanta in Union hands, Sherman turned his army south, beginning the infamous March to the Sea, where Georgia’s countryside would be laid to waste.
Sherman left Atlanta in November 1864, but not before burning much of what remained, ensuring that the Confederacy could never use it as a base again.
Sherman’s March to the Sea: A Path of Destruction
In the fall of 1864, as the American Civil War entered its final phase, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman launched one of the most devastating military campaigns in American history. His March to the Sea, a 300-mile trek from Atlanta to Savannah, was designed to cripple the Confederacy’s infrastructure, economy, and morale. Over the course of five weeks, Sherman’s forces burned cities, destroyed railroads, looted plantations, and brought the war directly to the Southern people.
This campaign, rooted in the philosophy of total war, left a lasting impact on Georgia and the South as a whole. By the time Sherman reached the Atlantic coast in December 1864, the Confederacy was irreversibly weakened.
The Path of Destruction: Atlanta to Savannah
Sherman’s march began in the ruins of Atlanta on November 15, 1864. After capturing the city in September, he had ordered the destruction of its rail depots, factories, and supply centers, ensuring that the Confederacy could not use them. With 60,000 Union soldiers, Sherman divided his army into two wings—the Right Wing under Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard and the Left Wing under Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum—allowing them to move across Georgia in a broad, sweeping path, covering roughly 60 miles wide.
The march ended when Sherman’s army arrived at Savannah on December 21, 1864, after cutting a swath of destruction across Georgia, breaking the Confederate war effort beyond repair.
Key locations along the path of destruction included:
1. Atlanta (November 15, 1864) – The City in Flames
Before departing, Sherman ordered Atlanta to be burned. This destruction was not limited to military targets; warehouses, rail depots, and entire sections of the city were set ablaze. Civilians fled as the sky glowed red for miles, signaling the Union army’s march had begun.
The destruction of Atlanta served two purposes: it deprived the Confederacy of its most important industrial hub and sent a message that total war had arrived in the South.
2. Milledgeville (November 22, 1864) – The Fall of Georgia’s Capital
The Union forces reached Milledgeville, Georgia’s capital, on November 22. Confederate officials had already fled, leaving the city defenseless. Union soldiers occupied the statehouse, mocking the Confederate government by holding a mock legislative session to repeal Georgia’s secession.
Though Milledgeville’s buildings were largely spared, Union troops destroyed arsenals, military supplies, and rail lines before moving on.
3. Macon (Late November 1864) – A Near Miss
Sherman’s forces never fully occupied Macon, as it was defended by Confederate troops. However, Union cavalry raids targeted surrounding areas, burning bridges, farms, and supply depots. Macon’s rail lines were cut off, isolating it from the rest of the Confederacy.
4. The Countryside – The Scorched Earth Policy
Between major cities, the destruction was relentless. Sherman’s soldiers, often referred to as “bummers,” spread out across the countryside, looting plantations, seizing livestock, burning barns, and destroying cotton fields.
One of the most infamous tactics was the destruction of railroads, where Union soldiers heated rail ties until they could be twisted around tree trunks, rendering them useless. These twisted metal remains became known as “Sherman’s Neckties”.
Sherman defended these tactics, stating: "If the people raise a howl against my barbarity and cruelty, I will answer that war is war, and not popularity-seeking."
The destruction of food supplies, coupled with the breakdown of transportation, left thousands of civilians starving. The psychological impact of this destruction was as severe as the physical damage, leading many in the South to believe the war was hopeless.
5. Savannah (December 21, 1864) – The Final Prize
After five weeks of destruction, Sherman’s army reached Savannah on December 10, 1864. Confederate troops had abandoned the city, realizing they could not withstand an attack. Rather than burn Savannah as he had Atlanta, Sherman offered the city as a “Christmas gift” to President Lincoln. In his famous telegram, he wrote: "I beg to present you as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, also about 25,000 bales of cotton."
Savannah was largely spared, but its port was now under Union control, cutting off another vital Confederate supply line.
Legacy of the March
Sherman’s March to the Sea crippled the Confederacy’s war effort. His scorched earth tactics left Georgia’s economy in ruins and demoralized the Southern people, many of whom had once believed they were invincible.
Though Sherman’s actions were highly controversial—some called them war crimes, while others viewed them as necessary to end the war—there was no denying their effectiveness. The Confederate army, already struggling, never fully recovered. Within four months, Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House, and the Civil War was over. Sherman had not just defeated the South’s armies—he had broken its spirit.
The Voices of the South: Civilians Caught in Sherman’s March
When General William Tecumseh Sherman led his army through Georgia in 1864, the destruction left behind was not only one of railroads and farms but also of the lives of countless civilians. While Sherman’s forces followed a strategy of total war, designed to cripple the South’s ability to continue fighting, the experience of the people in his path was marked by fear, hunger, and devastation. Women, children, and elderly men, many of whom had no direct part in the war, found themselves trapped in a conflict they could not escape.
The stories of Dolly Lunt Burge, the Andrews family, Carrie Berry, and Fannie Cohen reveal the harsh realities of Sherman’s March to the Sea. These firsthand accounts reflect the terror of an approaching army, the destruction of livelihoods, and the difficult survival in the aftermath.
Dolly Lunt Burge: A Widow’s Home Invaded
Dolly Lunt Burge was a widow living near Covington, Georgia, when Sherman’s army arrived. In her diary, she described the moment Union soldiers stormed her home, demanding food and supplies. She had heard of their approach for days, and the fear was overwhelming.
When the soldiers arrived, Dolly met them at the door. The men rushed inside, ransacking her kitchen, barns, and storage rooms. They took everything of value—food, livestock, tools—but left the house standing. In her diary, she described the aftermath:
"They robbed me of all my meat, corn, fodder, and oats. They took my buggy and harness. They took every fowl I had, even to the last turkey. They took my cow and calf, but left me my old ox."
She had no way to replace what was stolen. Like so many others, she faced the coming winter with nothing to eat and no resources to trade. Her story captures the common fate of civilians during the march—not all homes were burned, but starvation was inevitable.
The Andrews Family: Hiding in the Forest
The Andrews family, living near Milledgeville, Georgia, experienced the terror of Sherman’s approach firsthand. As Union forces drew near, they knew they could do nothing to stop them. Instead, they gathered what little food they could carry and fled into the woods, hoping to wait out the invasion.
From their hiding place in a ravine, they could see their home in the distance as Union soldiers swarmed onto their land. They listened helplessly as doors slammed open, furniture was overturned, and animals were led away. The soldiers did not stay long, but when the family returned, their home was stripped of supplies.
The fields, which had once provided food for their family and neighbors, were ruined. Without livestock, without crops, and without a way to replace what had been stolen, the Andrews family faced the grim reality of starvation. The war had not killed them, but survival in its aftermath would be just as cruel.
Carrie Berry: A Child’s Experience of War
For ten-year-old Carrie Berry, the war was not something fought in distant battlefields—it came to her doorstep. Living in Atlanta during Sherman’s occupation of the city, she wrote about hearing gunfire in the streets and watching her neighbors flee their homes in terror.
When the soldiers finally arrived at her house, they did not burn it, but they did take everything her family had to eat. In her diary, she recalled:
"The Yankees came into our house and took what little meat and flour we had left. Mama cried, but they did not hurt us. They only laughed and said we should be glad they didn’t burn the house."
For a child, seeing her mother weep over empty cupboards was more terrifying than the soldiers themselves. Carrie’s story reflects the psychological toll of the war on civilians—while Sherman’s army spared some homes, they left families without the means to survive.
The Refugee Crisis and Fannie Cohen’s Account
For those who lost everything in Sherman’s march, there was often nowhere to go. Fannie Cohen, a resident of Savannah, Georgia, described the city as filling with refugees in the final days of the campaign. Many had fled the countryside, seeking shelter in Savannah only to find hunger and desperation waiting for them.
Fannie wrote about how families were reduced to begging, surviving only on what they could scavenge or what Union forces allowed them to keep. Some civilians saw Sherman’s army as liberators, especially those who had been enslaved, but others saw them as the final force that sealed the South’s destruction.
The winter of 1864-1865 was brutal. Food was scarce, disease spread through the overcrowded streets, and hope was in short supply.
A Legacy of Fear and Survival
For Dolly Lunt Burge, the Andrews family, Carrie Berry, and Fannie Cohen, Sherman’s March was not just a military campaign—it was the end of life as they knew it. The fear of the Union army, the loss of food and resources, and the struggle to survive in the months that followed left an impact that would linger for generations.
While some homes were burned and others were spared, the true devastation lay in the hunger, displacement, and loss of stability that followed. Families that once thrived on Georgia’s farmland were reduced to scavenging. Wealthy plantation owners were left penniless. The South, once confident in its ability to fight and win, was now shattered and broken.
Sherman’s March was designed to crush the Confederacy’s ability to fight, and in many ways, it succeeded. But the human cost—the starvation, the fear, the destruction of entire communities—left scars that lasted long after the war ended.
The Battle for Savannah: The Last Stand of the March to the Sea
By December 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman had completed his infamous March to the Sea, leaving a 300-mile path of destruction across Georgia. His goal had been to cripple the Confederacy’s war effort by destroying infrastructure, supplies, and morale, and now, his army had reached Savannah, Georgia, a crucial Confederate port city. However, unlike many towns and cities his forces had burned along the way, Savannah was heavily fortified, and the Confederates had no intention of surrendering without a fight.
The Battle for Savannah was the final phase of Sherman’s campaign, and although it did not involve as much large-scale combat as other battles, siege tactics, maneuvering, and strategy ultimately forced the Confederates to abandon the city. On December 21, 1864, Savannah fell to Union forces, delivering a devastating blow to the Confederacy.
The Strategic Importance of Savannah
Savannah was one of the South’s most vital port cities, serving as a key supply hub for the Confederate war effort. Its location along the Atlantic Ocean and the Savannah River allowed Southern forces to receive weapons, ammunition, and supplies from blockade runners, who smuggled goods past the Union naval blockade. For Sherman, capturing Savannah would serve multiple purposes:
Cut off Confederate access to the Atlantic, eliminating another key supply route.
Establish a Union-controlled coastal base, from which future operations into South Carolina and beyond could be launched.
Deliver a final psychological blow to the South, proving that even its most well-defended cities could fall.
For the Confederacy, losing Savannah would further isolate the remaining Southern forces, making it nearly impossible to continue large-scale military operations.
The Defenses of Savannah: A City Under Siege
Savannah was not an easy target. Unlike many other Southern cities, where Confederate defenses had been weak or uncoordinated, Savannah had strong natural and man-made defenses:
Surrounding Swamps and Rivers – The city was located on the Savannah River and surrounded by marshlands, making a direct approach difficult for Union forces. These natural barriers served as choke points, forcing Sherman’s troops to find passable routes.
Extensive Fortifications – Confederate engineers had built a series of defensive earthworks and artillery positions around the city. These fortifications made a direct assault on Savannah nearly impossible without heavy casualties.
A Defending Army – Confederate General William J. Hardee commanded 10,000 troops, positioned within and around the city. Though outnumbered by Sherman’s 60,000 Union soldiers, they had a strong defensive advantage, making an immediate attack risky for Union forces.
Access to the River for Escape – Unlike Atlanta, where Confederate forces were surrounded, Savannah still had an open escape route across the river into South Carolina. This would prove critical when Hardee decided to abandon the city rather than face destruction.
Because of these defenses, Sherman knew that a traditional direct attack would be costly and slow. Instead, he decided to lay siege to the city and force the Confederates to surrender.
The Siege of Savannah Begins
On December 10, 1864, Sherman’s army arrived outside Savannah, completing its devastating march across Georgia. Rather than launching an immediate assault, Sherman used a siege strategy, surrounding the city and cutting off supplies.
1. Blocking Escape and Supply Routes
Sherman’s forces encircled Savannah from the west, capturing key roads and cutting off Confederate supply lines. Meanwhile, Union naval forces blockaded the Savannah River, preventing reinforcements or supplies from reaching the city.
2. Bombarding the City
Union artillery bombarded Confederate positions, weakening defenses. Sherman also positioned troops near Fort McAllister, a key Confederate stronghold along the Ogeechee River.
3. The Fall of Fort McAllister (December 13, 1864)
Sherman’s forces attacked and captured Fort McAllister, opening up a direct supply line to the Union Navy. This allowed him to receive fresh supplies and reinforcements, further tightening the siege. With this victory, Savannah was now completely cut off.
Sherman then sent a message to General Hardee, demanding the city’s surrender. Hardee, however, refused, hoping to delay the Union’s advance as long as possible.
The Confederate Retreat and the Fall of Savannah
Despite their strong defenses, the Confederates faced an impossible situation. Supplies were dwindling, Union forces had full control of the surrounding area, and their position was growing weaker by the day.
Rather than surrender, General Hardee made a daring escape plan. On December 20, 1864, under the cover of darkness, Hardee and his 10,000 troops quietly retreated across the Savannah River, escaping into South Carolina. They destroyed bridges behind them to prevent the Union from pursuing immediately.
When Union forces entered the city the next morning, they found Savannah abandoned. The city had fallen without a final battle.
On December 21, 1864, Sherman officially took control of Savannah, sending a now-famous message to President Lincoln:
"I beg to present you as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, also about 25,000 bales of cotton."
Unlike Atlanta, which had been burned to the ground, Sherman spared Savannah, recognizing its value as a port city and future supply base.
The Significance of the Fall of Savannah
The capture of Savannah was a major Union victory and had far-reaching consequences for the war:
It Completed Sherman’s March to the Sea – The campaign had devastated Georgia and proved that the Confederacy was unable to defend its own territory.
It Cut Off Another Key Supply Hub – With Savannah under Union control, the South’s ability to move goods, weapons, and reinforcements was crippled.
It Weakened Southern Morale – The fall of Savannah demoralized the Confederacy, showing that even its strongest cities could not hold out against the Union war machine.
It Paved the Way for Sherman’s Carolina Campaign – After Savannah, Sherman turned his attention north, launching a campaign through South Carolina, which would lead to the final collapse of the Confederacy in 1865.
Savannah’s Lasting Impact
The Battle for Savannah was won not through brute force but through strategic siege warfare. Sherman’s ability to cut off the city, destroy Fort McAllister, and force the Confederates to abandon Savannah without a fight showed his skill as a military strategist.
The Impact of Sherman’s March on the South
When Union General William Tecumseh Sherman led his army through Georgia and the Carolinas in late 1864 and early 1865, he left behind a region devastated by economic ruin, hunger, and psychological despair. His scorched earth tactics, designed to cripple the Confederacy’s ability to wage war, destroyed railroads, food supplies, and industry. The psychological toll on Southern civilians and Confederate soldiers was just as severe as the physical destruction.
Sherman’s march not only weakened the Confederacy militarily but also accelerated the collapse of slavery. Thousands of formerly enslaved people followed his army, seeking protection and freedom, but many were left vulnerable, leading to one of the largest refugee crises of the Civil War. By the time Sherman’s forces reached North Carolina in early 1865, the South was on the brink of total collapse.
Economic Destruction: A Ruined South
Before Sherman’s March, Georgia and the Carolinas were among the Confederacy’s most productive regions, providing food, weapons, and supplies to the Southern war effort. Sherman’s campaign destroyed this economic backbone, making it nearly impossible for the South to continue the fight.
1. Railroads and Transportation Destroyed
One of Sherman’s primary targets was the Southern railroad system, which had been crucial for moving troops and supplies. Union soldiers systematically tore up railroad tracks, heated the rails over fires, and twisted them around trees and poles, rendering them useless—these became known as “Sherman’s Neckties.” Without railroads, the Confederacy could not transport food or reinforcements, leaving many areas completely cut off.
2. Industry and Manufacturing Crippled
Factories, mills, and any facility that could be used for military purposes were burned or dismantled. Towns like Griswoldville, Georgia, which had manufactured weapons, were left in ruins. The Confederacy, already struggling with supply shortages, now had even fewer resources to equip its remaining armies.
3. Food Supply in Ruins
Perhaps the most devastating consequence of Sherman’s March was the destruction of Southern agriculture. The Union army:
Burned farms and barns, ensuring no crops could be harvested.
Seized livestock, leaving civilians with little to eat.
Destroyed granaries and mills, cutting off local food production.
By early 1865, food shortages had reached crisis levels, particularly in Georgia and South Carolina. Both civilians and Confederate soldiers faced starvation, and desertions increased as soldiers left to try to find food for their families.
Psychological and Morale Impact: The South’s Breaking Point
Sherman’s strategy was not just about physical destruction—it was also aimed at breaking the will of the Southern people. He believed that war had to be made so terrible that the Confederacy would never rise again.
1. Fear and Panic Among Civilians
As Sherman’s army advanced, news of the destruction spread ahead of his forces, creating widespread panic. Civilians in Georgia and the Carolinas fled their homes, hiding valuables and food in wells or burying them underground to keep them from Union soldiers. Entire towns were abandoned, with residents fearing that Union forces would burn everything in their path.
Women and children were particularly affected, as most able-bodied men were away fighting. Many families watched helplessly as their homes, farms, and businesses were reduced to ashes. The psychological toll was immeasurable, with Southerners experiencing deep resentment and trauma that would last for generations.
2. The Impact on Confederate Soldiers
For many Confederate soldiers, Sherman’s March was demoralizing. Letters from home described the destruction of farms, the starvation of families, and the loss of everything they had fought to protect. This led to:
Desertions increasing as soldiers left to defend their homes.
Declining morale among Confederate troops, who saw their cause becoming hopeless.
Frustration toward Confederate leadership, as many felt abandoned by their government, which could not protect them from Sherman’s devastation.
By the time Sherman’s forces reached South Carolina—the birthplace of secession—morale among Confederate troops was at its lowest. Many lost the will to fight, realizing that the war was nearly over.
Hunger and Refugee Crisis in Georgia and the Carolinas
By early 1865, Georgia and the Carolinas were in a state of humanitarian disaster.
1. Food Shortages and Starvation
With farms burned, livestock killed, and supply lines cut, civilians were left with almost nothing. Starvation became a major issue, and reports of families surviving on acorns, roots, and scraps became common.
Confederate troops, already short on supplies, had little to no food left. Many soldiers deserted simply to return home and try to feed their starving families.
2. A Growing Refugee Crisis
Tens of thousands of civilians and newly freed African Americans were displaced. Cities such as Savannah and Charleston became overcrowded with refugees, leading to disease outbreaks and extreme poverty.
Union forces did little to help civilians, as Sherman’s army was focused on moving north into the Carolinas. Entire communities were left in ruins, unable to rebuild as the war continued.
A Broken South
Sherman’s March to the Sea fundamentally changed the course of the Civil War. It destroyed the South’s economy, shattered its morale, and dismantled its social order, particularly through the destruction of slavery. The hunger, homelessness, and despair left in its wake weakened the Confederacy to the point of collapse.
Sherman’s March & African Americans: Freedom, Tragedy, and Broken Promises
General William Tecumseh Sherman’s March to the Sea in late 1864 was one of the most destructive campaigns of the American Civil War. Designed to break the Confederacy’s will to fight, it left Georgia in ruins and accelerated the collapse of slavery in the South. As Sherman’s forces moved across the countryside, tens of thousands of enslaved people fled plantations and followed the Union army, hoping for protection and freedom.
However, the journey to liberation was not always safe. Many formerly enslaved men, women, and children faced extreme hardships as they traveled behind Union forces. Some were welcomed, others were left behind, and tragically, some lost their lives—most notably at Ebenezer Creek, where Union troops abandoned hundreds of freedmen to be recaptured or drown. In an attempt to address the crisis, Sherman issued Special Field Order No. 15, promising freed people land—an order that became known as the “40 acres and a mule” plan. However, this promise would later be revoked, leaving many African Americans displaced and vulnerable after the war.
Escaping to Union Lines: The Flight to Freedom
For enslaved people in Georgia and South Carolina, Sherman’s army represented hope and the possibility of freedom. As news spread that Union soldiers were advancing, thousands risked their lives to flee plantations and follow the Northern troops.
1. The Appeal of Sherman’s Army
Union forces represented liberation, as many enslaved people believed that reaching Union lines meant protection from their enslavers.
Many freedmen hoped to join the Union Army—by this time, Black regiments were playing a significant role in the war.
Others simply wanted to escape years of brutal oppression, even if their destination was uncertain.
2. The Reality of Life Behind Union Lines
The Union army had no clear plan for dealing with the thousands of freedmen who followed them.
Food and supplies were limited, and Sherman’s forces could not always provide for the growing number of refugees.
Despite their uncertain situation, most freed people refused to turn back, preferring to take their chances with Union troops rather than remain enslaved.
As Sherman’s army moved deeper into the South, the number of freedmen following them increased, creating both logistical challenges and moral dilemmas for the Union leadership.
The Tragedy at Ebenezer Creek
One of the most heartbreaking events of Sherman’s March took place on December 9, 1864, at Ebenezer Creek, a deep, freezing-cold body of water in Georgia. As thousands of freedmen followed Sherman’s army, Union General Jefferson C. Davis (no relation to the Confederate president) made a cold and brutal decision that led to the deaths of hundreds of freed people.
1. A Desperate Escape
As Sherman’s forces approached Ebenezer Creek, they built pontoon bridges to cross the water while Confederate cavalry pursued them from behind.
Thousands of freedmen, including women, children, and the elderly, waited behind the soldiers, hoping to cross to safety.
2. A Heartless Betrayal
Once every Union soldiers had crossed, General Davis, fearing the Confederate cavalry would be able to cross them, ordered the pontoon bridges removed, stranding the freed people on the other side.
Many panicked and jumped into the freezing water, attempting to swim across.
Hundreds drowned, while others were recaptured and brutally punished by Confederate forces.
3. Outrage and Condemnation
News of the Ebenezer Creek massacre spread quickly, shocking Northern abolitionists and leading to public outrage.
The tragedy exposed the harsh reality that not all Union officers saw freed people as equals or even as human beings worthy of protection.
Despite this horrifying event, many African Americans continued to follow Sherman’s army, determined to reach freedom—no matter the cost.
Special Field Order No. 15: The “40 Acres and a Mule” Promise
The mass displacement of freed people following Sherman’s March created a humanitarian crisis. With thousands of newly freed African Americans in need of shelter and sustenance, Union leaders were forced to respond.
On January 16, 1865, in a meeting with twenty Black ministers and community leaders in Savannah, Sherman asked what freed people needed most. Their answer was simple: land. In response, Sherman issued Special Field Order No. 15, setting aside land specifically for freed people.
1. The Plan for Black Land Ownership
The order set aside 400,000 acres of confiscated Southern land along the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina for Black families.
Each family was to receive up to 40 acres of land, and later, the Union army provided some freedmen with mules, leading to the phrase “40 acres and a mule.”
This was the first official attempt at providing economic independence to former slaves.
2. The Hope and Reality of the Order
Many freedmen saw this order as the beginning of true freedom—a chance to own property and build independent communities.
Freedmen moved to these lands and began working on them, believing that the land was theirs permanently.
3. The Broken Promise
After Lincoln’s assassination in April 1865, his successor, President Andrew Johnson, reversed Sherman’s order.
Former Confederate landowners were pardoned and had their land returned, displacing thousands of freedmen.
Many freed people were forced into sharecropping, a system that kept them economically dependent on white landowners for generations.
What began as one of the most promising Reconstruction policies became one of its greatest betrayals, leaving freedmen without the land they had been promised.
The Key Figures of Sherman’s March to the Sea
Sherman’s March to the Sea (November–December 1864) was one of the most influential campaigns of the American Civil War, devastating Georgia and crippling the Confederacy’s ability to fight. This campaign did not unfold in isolation—it was shaped by the actions of military leaders, civilians, and freedmen who played significant roles. While General William Tecumseh Sherman led the Union forces, other officers, Confederate defenders, civilians, and African Americans left lasting impacts on the march and its consequences.
Union Leaders: The Architects of Total War
General William Tecumseh Sherman (1820–1891) – The Commander of the March
William Tecumseh Sherman was the Union general who conceived and executed the March to the Sea. Born in Ohio, he attended West Point, later serving in the Mexican-American War before becoming one of the most infamous Union commanders of the Civil War.
By 1864, Sherman had already gained a reputation for strategic brilliance and ruthlessness, particularly after his successful Chattanooga Campaign in Tennessee. His scorched earth strategy during the March to the Sea ensured that Georgia would no longer be able to supply the Confederate war effort, making his campaign one of the most decisive of the war.
Sherman believed in psychological warfare, stating:
"War is cruelty. There is no use trying to reform it. The crueler it is, the sooner it will be over."
His success in capturing Atlanta (September 1864) helped secure Abraham Lincoln’s re-election, and his march through Georgia and later the Carolinas accelerated the end of the Civil War.
Major General Oliver O. Howard (1830–1909) – The Enforcer of Freedmen’s Rights
Oliver O. Howard served as a key Union commander under Sherman during the march, leading one of the two major wings of the Union army. After the war, Howard became an important figure in Reconstruction, heading the Freedmen’s Bureau, which sought to aid newly freed African Americans.
Howard played a significant role in dealing with thousands of freedmen who followed Sherman’s army. He was present when Sherman met with Black leaders in Savannah, which led to Special Field Order No. 15—the famous promise of "40 acres and a mule" to freed slaves. Though this promise was later overturned, Howard continued to advocate for African American rights throughout his career.
General Henry W. Slocum (1827–1894) – The Left Wing Commander
Henry W. Slocum commanded the Left Wing of Sherman’s army, which advanced through Georgia alongside Howard’s Right Wing. Slocum’s forces were responsible for much of the destruction inflicted on railroads, supply lines, and plantations, cutting off Confederate resources.
Slocum’s leadership during the capture of Savannah in December 1864 was crucial. He was among the first to enter the city after Confederate General Hardee retreated, securing it without a destructive battle.
General Jefferson C. Davis (1828–1879) – The Man Behind the Ebenezer Creek Tragedy
Jefferson C. Davis (no relation to Confederate President Jefferson Davis) was a Union general under Sherman who became infamous for one of the greatest betrayals of freed African Americans. As thousands of enslaved people followed the Union army, seeking protection and freedom, Davis ordered his men to remove pontoon bridges at Ebenezer Creek, leaving hundreds of freedmen trapped as Confederate forces closed in. Many drowned or were recaptured.
His actions sparked outrage among abolitionists and Northern politicians, but he was never formally punished. Despite this, his legacy remains stained by his treatment of freedmen during Sherman’s March.
Confederate Leaders: The Defenders of Georgia
General John Bell Hood (1831–1879) – The Reckless Confederate Commander
Before the march began, John Bell Hood commanded the Confederate Army of Tennessee, defending Atlanta. However, his aggressive but disastrous tactics in the battles around Atlanta led to heavy Confederate losses, forcing him to abandon the city in September 1864.
Rather than defending Georgia, Hood took his army northward in a failed attempt to distract Sherman, leaving Georgia vulnerable. His decision ultimately allowed Sherman to march unopposed through Georgia, ensuring the Confederacy’s defeat.
General William J. Hardee (1815–1873) – The Defender of Savannah
When Sherman reached Savannah, the city was defended by General William J. Hardee, who had only 10,000 troops against Sherman’s 60,000. Rather than face certain destruction, Hardee evacuated the city on December 20, 1864, retreating across the Savannah River to South Carolina.
His decision to retreat saved his army, but it also meant the Union captured Savannah without resistance.
African American Leaders and Survivors
Garrison Frazier (1798–1873) – The Freedman Who Spoke for His People
As thousands of freedmen followed Sherman’s army, Garrison Frazier, a Baptist minister, became their spokesman. In January 1865, he led a meeting with Sherman and Edwin Stanton, demanding land for former slaves. His testimony directly influenced Special Field Order No. 15—the “40 acres and a mule” promise. Though the order was later revoked, Frazier’s leadership was a crucial moment in early Reconstruction.
Life Lessons and Thought Processes from Sherman’s March to the Sea
The March to the Sea, led by General William Tecumseh Sherman from November to December 1864, was one of the most significant and controversial campaigns of the American Civil War. This event teaches us valuable lessons about strategy, resilience, consequences, and the complexities of war. Beyond the destruction and military tactics, studying this march offers deeper insights into psychological warfare, leadership, ethics in conflict, and the human cost of war.
1. Strategy and Adaptability: The Importance of Thinking Ahead
Sherman’s march was not just about destruction—it was a carefully planned strategy to break the South’s ability to continue fighting. His tactics teach us that wars, challenges, and even life decisions are won through planning and adaptability.
Lesson: Be prepared to think ahead and adapt when circumstances change.
Example: Sherman cut off his own supply lines, forcing his army to live off the land. This bold move allowed them to move faster and unpredictably.
Application: In life, sometimes breaking from traditional methods and trusting your ability to adapt can lead to success.
Sherman’s ability to anticipate his enemy’s reactions was key to his victory. He knew the Confederates expected him to continue attacking supply depots, so instead, he marched his troops through Georgia’s heartland, where the South was least prepared.
2. The Power of Psychological Warfare
Sherman understood that war is not just fought on the battlefield but also in the minds of the people. By destroying railroads, farms, and supply chains, he didn’t just weaken the Confederate army—he shattered the morale of Southern civilians and soldiers. His actions sent a clear message that resistance was futile.
Lesson: Psychology plays a major role in success and failure. In any competitive situation—whether in war, business, or personal life—winning the mental battle is just as important as winning the physical one.
Example: Sherman’s march made Southern civilians lose faith in their leaders, making them question whether the war was worth continuing.
Application: If you can control the narrative and shape perceptions, you can influence outcomes. This is true in leadership, negotiations, and even personal conflicts.
3. Actions Have Consequences—Even When They Seem Justified
One of the most controversial aspects of Sherman’s March was the scorched earth policy—the deliberate destruction of farms, railroads, and entire towns. While this helped end the war, it also caused immense suffering for civilians, many of whom were not directly involved in the fighting.
Lesson: Even if an action is strategically beneficial, it can still have long-term consequences.
Example: Sherman’s destruction led to decades of resentment in the South. It became a central part of the “Lost Cause” narrative, shaping Southern memory for generations.
Application: In decision-making, it’s important to consider not just the immediate benefits, but also the long-term effects on others.
Vocabulary to Learn While Studying about Sherman’s March
1. Scorched Earth
· Definition: A military strategy that involves destroying buildings, crops, and resources to prevent an enemy from using them.
· Sentence: Sherman’s army used a scorched earth policy, burning farms and railroads to cripple the Confederate war effort.
2. Total War
· Definition: A type of warfare that targets not only enemy troops but also infrastructure, resources, and civilian support systems.
· Sentence: Sherman’s March to the Sea was an example of total war because it aimed to destroy the South’s ability to continue fighting.
3. Psychological Warfare
· Definition: The use of fear, propaganda, or intimidation to weaken an opponent’s morale and will to fight.
· Sentence: By destroying railroads and food supplies, Sherman engaged in psychological warfare, making Southern civilians lose faith in the Confederacy.
4. Campaign
· Definition: A series of military operations aimed at achieving a specific goal.
· Sentence: Sherman’s March to the Sea was part of a larger Union campaign to defeat the Confederacy by destroying its resources.
5. Infrastructure
· Definition: The basic systems and structures, such as roads, bridges, and railways, needed for a society to function.
· Sentence: Sherman’s forces targeted the South’s infrastructure, tearing up railroad tracks to stop Confederate troop movements.
6. Foraging
· Definition: The act of searching for and collecting food, often by taking it from local sources.
· Sentence: Union soldiers were ordered to forage for supplies during the march, taking food from Southern farms to sustain their troops.
7. Evacuation
· Definition: The act of moving people away from danger or an occupied area.
· Sentence: Confederate General Hardee ordered the evacuation of Savannah before Sherman’s troops arrived, allowing his soldiers to escape to South Carolina.
8. Refugee
· Definition: A person forced to flee their home due to war, disaster, or persecution.Sentence: As Sherman’s troops advanced, many Southern civilians became refugees, fleeing their homes to escape the destruction.
9. Confederate Resistance
· Definition: The ongoing efforts by the Southern military and civilians to fight against Union forces.
· Sentence: Despite their losses, Confederate resistance continued in pockets of Georgia and South Carolina as Sherman’s army advanced.
10. Hardships
· Definition: Severe suffering or difficulty, often caused by war or disaster.
· Sentence: Civilians faced great hardships after Sherman’s army passed through, with many left without food or shelter.
Engaging Activities to Teach Students About Sherman’s March to the Sea
Activity #1: Map the Destruction: Tracing Sherman’s Path
Recommended Age: Grades 4-8 (Upper Elementary & Middle School)
Activity Description: Students will map Sherman’s March to the Sea, marking key cities, destruction points, and troop movements to understand the path and impact of the campaign.
Objective: To help students visualize the march, analyze its strategy, and understand how it affected civilians and the Confederacy.
Materials:
A blank map of Georgia and South Carolina
Colored pencils or markers
Printouts of key locations (Atlanta, Milledgeville, Macon, Savannah, Ebenezer Creek, etc.)
Reference materials (textbooks, articles, or online resources)
Instructions:
Introduce the Background – Discuss why Sherman’s March was important and its impact on the South.
Mark the Route – Have students trace the path from Atlanta to Savannah using a colored pencil.
Identify Key Locations – Label and mark important cities, battles, and destruction sites along the way.
Illustrate Effects – Use different colors to show burned areas, destroyed railroads (Sherman’s Neckties), and abandoned towns.
Class Discussion – Ask students to reflect:
How did the march affect civilians?
Why did Sherman avoid battles and focus on destruction?
Learning Outcome: Students will develop geographic awareness and understand how Sherman’s March changed the course of the Civil War by analyzing strategy, movement, and destruction.
Activity #2: War Ethics Debate: Was Sherman’s March Justified?
Recommended Age: Grades 9-12 (High School)
Activity Description: Students will participate in a structured debate on whether Sherman’s use of total war was necessary or excessive.
Objective: To develop critical thinking skills and analyze the moral and ethical dilemmas of war.
Materials:
Background readings on total war, military strategy, and the consequences of Sherman’s March
Debate question written on the board:
“Was Sherman’s March to the Sea a justified military strategy or an unnecessary act of destruction?”
Note cards for students to organize arguments
Instructions:
Divide the Class – Split students into two teams:
Pro-Sherman: Argues that the march was necessary to end the war.
Anti-Sherman: Argues that the march was too destructive and targeted civilians unfairly.
Prepare Arguments – Each team researches:
Military necessity vs. ethical concerns
Confederate resources and defenses
Effects on civilians and freed slaves
Long-term consequences of the march
Hold the Debate – Students take turns presenting their arguments, with a teacher-moderated discussion.
Reflection Discussion – After the debate, discuss:
What are the limits of war?
Is it ever justified to target civilian infrastructure?
Learning Outcome: Students will develop historical analysis skills, improve argumentation, and explore the complexities of war ethics, understanding that history is rarely black and white.
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