Under Sherman's leadership, Union troops successfully captured Atlanta and began their march eastward across the state. During this campaign, Sherman employed a strategy known as "total war," which involved targeting not only military objectives but also civilian infrastructure and resources. As a result, much of Georgia was left devastated and in ruins.
Sherman's March to the Sea had several significant impacts:
- Psychological impact: The Union victory in Atlanta and Sherman's subsequent march demoralized the Confederate army and the civilian population. This psychological blow contributed to the eventual collapse of the Confederacy.
- Economic devastation: Sherman's army destroyed railroads, bridges, farms, factories, and other economic resources in Georgia. This destruction significantly disrupted the Confederate supply lines and crippled the state's economy.
- Political consequences: Sherman's March to the Sea played a significant role in shaping the post-war political landscape of the United States. The destruction caused by Sherman's army created resentment and anger among Southerners, which influenced their political views and policies in the years to come.
Despite the controversy surrounding his actions, William T. Sherman remains a prominent figure in American history, remembered for his military leadership and the far-reaching impact of his March to the Sea.