Sherman's March
Total War
Making Georgia Howl
- Sherman's March lasted from November 15 to December 21, 1864, beginning in Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia.
- The purpose of the march was to frighten the civilians of Georgia from supporting and taking place in the South's rebellion.
- The 60,000 troops led by Union General William T. Sherman stole livestock and food, then proceeded to burn anything they couldn't carry.
- Sherman explained the South needed to, "make old and young, rich and poor, feel the hard hand of war."
- The march caused the fall of Georgia, which as a symbol of pride and strength in the South.
Where?
- Sherman's March took place a little over a month long starting in Atlanta, Georgia and ending in Savannah, Georgia.
How?
- While on the march, Sherman's troops stole livestock, crops, and valuables, then burned everything else in their path.
- If a civilian got in their way, they were killed.
Why?
- Sherman's March was known for boldness as well as complete destruction inflicted on the South, both to its industry as military targets, effectively destroying the South's capacity to fight.
After?
- Sherman's March decimated town after town in Georgia, leaving southerners homeless, poor, hungry, and afraid.
In Total?
- Sherman's March took away the pride and strength of the South; therefore, helping the Union win the Civil War.