Sherman's March to the Sea: Key Characteristics

General William T. Sherman's 1864 campaign across Georgia (Atlanta to Savannah) defined "total war":

1. Scorched-Earth Tactics: Systematic destruction of Confederate resources—railroads, factories, mills, crops, livestock—to cripple war-making capacity.
2. Rapid, Relentless Advance: ~600 miles in 6 weeks (Nov 15 – Dec 21, 1864); 60,000 veterans moved with minimal supply lines, foraging liberally.
3. Widespread Devastation: Towns (e.g., Milledgeville), plantations, infrastructure burned; "Sherman's neckties" (rails heated, twisted around trees).
4. Psychological Warfare: Broke Southern morale; civilians experienced war directly; "War is the remedy our enemies have chosen."
5. Strategic Goal: Sever Confederate heartland, disrupt supply/communication, link up with Grant in Virginia, present Lincoln a Christmas gift (Savannah).
6. Followed Atlanta Campaign: After capturing Atlanta (Sept 1864)—critical rail hub—Sherman cut loose from supply lines.
7. Decisive Contribution: Accelerated Confederate collapse; war ended 4 months later.

The march remains controversial: militarily brilliant, economically crippling, morally debated.