General Sherman's March to Savannah

General Sherman

Union general who led the devastating march through Georgia.

March to the Sea

Sherman's march from Atlanta to Savannah, destroying everything in his path.

Atlanta

Major railroad hub captured by Sherman before the march.

Savannah

Major sea port captured by Sherman at the end of the march.

Battle of Atlanta

Sherman's victory over Confederate General John Hood on July 22, 1864.

Control of Atlanta

Sherman gained control of the city on September 2, 1864.

Supply lines

Sherman didn't have supply lines back to the north during the march.

Living off the land

Sherman's strategy of taking from farmers and livestock to feed his army.

Destruction of industries

Sherman destroyed cotton gins, lumber mills, and other industries to hurt the Confederate economy.

Four forces

Sherman divided his army into four forces to spread out destruction and confuse the Confederate Army.

Taking Savannah

Sherman arrived in Savannah, the Confederate force fled, and the mayor surrendered.

Scorched earth

Tactic of destroying everything in an army's path.

Sherman's neckties

Railroad ties heated and bent around tree trunks by Union soldiers.

Lincoln's reelection

Sherman's victories helped secure Abraham Lincoln's reelection as president.

Bummers

Soldiers who foraged for food for the army.

$100m in damage

Sherman estimated his army caused $100 million in damage (1864 dollars).