General Sherman's Destruction of Farms During the American Civil War: A Strategic Necessity

During the American Civil War, the US military adopted new and innovative tactics that marked a departure from the warfare practices of the 18th and 19th centuries. Recognized as the first industrial or modern war, it became imperative to target not only the armies but also the logistical support that sustained Confederate forces.

The Evolution of Military Policy and Strategy

General William T. Sherman, known for his often ruthless tactics, stated, 'War is hell.' His mission was to erase the South's capacity to wage war, as federal forces sought to end the rebellion by targeting infrastructure and supplies. Sherman's iconic march to Savannah, Georgia, was a demonstration of the necessity to deprive the South of resources that enabled them to sustain the war effort.

Sherman's Iconic March Through Georgia

Conversely to popular myth, Sherman's march did not indiscriminately burn every home and farm; instead, his primary targets were military assets and supply lines. Railroads, bridges, and smokehouses were prioritized for destruction. While Atlanta, a significant military and economic hub, was targeted, smaller farms were mostly left intact, a stark contrast to the portrayal in the classic novel "Gone with the Wind."

Strategic Decisions and Challenges

One of the significant challenges Sherman faced was maintaining a supply line and controlling the areas he occupied. This was complicated by the actions of Confederate forces, such as ldquo;The Lightning,rdquo; Nathan Bedford Forrest, and Joseph Wheeler, who could raid Sherman's supply lines. To address this, Sherman chose to make Georgia temporarily unusable and instead focused on feeding his soldiers directly from the local population.

Northern Military Policy and Shift in Strategy

Until the final year of the Civil War, US military policy was not to target civilians. This changed as both sides hardened their stance on civilians who supported the war but did not suffer its consequences. The Union came to understand the importance of destroying the means of support for the Confederacy. For instance, Sheridan attacked farms and food supplies in the Shenandoah Valley.

Aiming at Destruction: Impact and Legacy

By destroying civilian infrastructure and not receiving significant opposition, Sherman demonstrated to the South that they could not stop his men and had effectively lost the war. The success of this strategy is evident in the fact that the Army of Tennessee, under John Bell Hood, was unable to prevent Sherman from advancing and leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The decision to invade South Carolina further underscored the harsh reality of war.

Conclusion

While the destruction of farms was a critical part of Sherman's strategy, it was a means to an end. By targeting infrastructure and civilian resources, Sherman aimed to break the South's will to fight. This approach, although brutal, proved to be a significant factor in neutralizing the Confederate war effort. The lessons learned during the American Civil War have had lasting impacts on military strategies and policies.