General William Tecumseh Sherman was a Union general during the American Civil War. He is best known for his "March to the Sea," a campaign that resulted in the destruction of much of the infrastructure in Georgia and South Carolina. Sherman's tactics were controversial, but they are credited with helping to bring the war to a close.
Total War
Total war is a type of warfare in which there are no limits on the targets that can be attacked. This means that civilians, as well as military targets, can be targeted. Total war is often seen as a last resort, as it can lead to widespread devastation.
Sherman and Total War in the Civil War
Sherman's March to the Sea was a form of total war. Sherman's troops targeted civilian infrastructure, such as railroads, bridges, and factories, in order to deprive the Confederate army of supplies. Sherman also encouraged his troops to engage in looting and burning.
Sherman's tactics were controversial, but they were effective. The March to the Sea helped to bring the war to a close, and it also had a lasting impact on the South. The destruction caused by Sherman's troops made it difficult for the South to rebuild after the war.
Sherman's tactics were not unique to the Civil War. Total war was also used in other conflicts, such as the First World War and the Second World War. However, Sherman's March to the Sea is one of the most famous examples of total war in history.