(1092) Death of The Confederacy: Sherman's March to the Sea | Animated History

Introduction to Sherman's Campaign

• Time Frame: November 1864, after the Union victory of Atlanta in September.

• Objective: Sherman aimed to advance to Savannah, splitting the Confederacy.

• Outcome of Atlanta: Atlanta was stripped of military value, causing severe distress among civilians.

Context of the Civil War

• Year of Conflict: This marked the fourth year of the Civil War.

• Political Pressure: The Union's leadership was under pressure to resolve the conflict amidst a military stalemate in Virginia.

• Importance of Atlanta: The Union's capture of Atlanta was a critical victory ahead of the November elections, providing a boost to President Lincoln.

Sherman's Orders and Plans

• Advising Lincoln and Grant: Sherman communicated plans for advancing through Georgia, emphasizing the destruction of enemy resources.

  • Quote: "I propose we break up the road from Chattanooga and strike out with wagons for Milleville, Millan, and Savannah... utter destruction of its roads, houses, and people will their military resources."

• Authorization: Grant approved Sherman's plans on November 2nd, allowing the campaign to proceed.

Destruction of Atlanta

• Commencement of Destruction: On the 11th, after Lincoln's reelection, Union forces began wrecking Atlanta's rail lines.

• Scale of Destruction: By the time Sherman left on November 16th, almost 40% of the city was destroyed, with only churches and private homes spared.

Composition of Sherman's Army

• Troop Strength: Approximately 62,000 men, with additional cavalry and artillery units.

• Supply Challenges: Soldiers relied on local resources as supply routes were obliterated, requiring foraging for food from local populations, sometimes unlawfully.

• Foraging Behavior: Units often seized livestock, and valuables, leading to resentment among local Southern families.

Interaction with Southern Civilians

• Southern Response: Some families buried valuables, while Union soldiers often ransacked homes.

• Role of Escaped Slaves: Freed slaves joined Sherman's march seeking freedom, complicating supply situations for the Union.

Conflict at Mon

• Opposition Forces: Minor skirmishes occurred with Georgia militia and Wheeler's cavalry, resulting in Confederate losses.

• Union Method of Warfare: Sherman's strategy involved deceiving Confederate forces about his movements, maintaining ambiguity about his targets.

Political Actions in Milleville

• Control of Georgia's Government: Upon entering the state capital, Sherman held a mock vote on repealing secession.

• Strategy to Increase Pressure: Sherman authorized increased destruction of Confederate infrastructures, including railroads and mills.

Path to Savannah

• Ongoing Conflict: Union forces encountered continual harassment from Wheeler's cavalry as they moved towards Savannah.

• Brigadier General Davis's Order: Davis's order to abandon hundreds of fugitive slaves resulted in significant ethical outcry within the Union ranks.

• Minefield Tactics: Sherman's troops also faced anti-personnel mines, leading to low morale among Union ranks.

Conclusion of Campaign in Savannah

• Final Moves: Sherman’s forces reached Savannah, encountering strong Confederate defenses.

• Surrender of Savannah: After a siege, Hardy's troops abandoned the city, leading to Sherman gaining control.

• Sherman’s Tactics: Emphasized scorched earth policy, devastating the South’s capacity to wage war.

Aftermath of Sherman's March

• Financial Impact: Estimated damage of over $100 million in 1864, crippling Southern resources.

• Legacy: The campaign isolated Lee's forces and paved the way towards the eventual Union victory.

• Sherman’s Perspective: He viewed the costs of war as justified given the necessity of eradicating slavery.

  • Quote: "...nothing but the interposition of war could have eradicated it... the war was worth all that it cost in life and treasure."