Lincoln's Perspective on Sherman's Scorched-Earth Campaign in Georgia

It is often perplexing how Sherman's march through Georgia and the Carolinas is viewed as an exceedingly cruel and barbaric form of warfare, when in many other engagements, hundreds of soldiers fell, suffering immense pain and trauma. Sherman's approach, though not without controversy, was part of the norms of mid-19th-century warfare. This article delves into Abraham Lincoln's views and the context behind Sherman's campaign, emphasizing Lincoln's support and the strategic implications of this unconventional form of warfare.

Perception of Sherman's March

The perception of Sherman's march as exceptionally vicious is somewhat inverted. In battles of that era, hundreds of soldiers perished, often losing limbs or succumbing to enormous pain and suffering. Wherever two armies clashed, the results were bound to be widespread carnage. However, Sherman's method of advancing through Georgia and burning a few barns and stealing a few chickens inflicted significantly fewer casualties. Curiously, we are expected to strongly condemn this method of warfare, which requires us to place greater value on the property of the upper classes than on the lives and limbs of ordinary soldiers.

Expressly, I refuse to do so. Before Sherman's march began, Lincoln endorsed the plan not only because of its effectiveness in advancing the Union cause with minimal casualties but also because he was aware of the broader strategic context.

Context and Support for the Campaign

Lincoln had a pragmatic and strategic perspective on warfare, and his support for Sherman's plan was grounded in these principles. Sherman's approach was considered fairly common for the time. There was no way to wage a kinder, gentler war under the conditions of the American Civil War. Jefferson Davis, the Confederate President, lamented that the Southern defenders did not destroy more resources to slow the Union's advance. He even advocated for guerrilla warfare, which would have significantly prolonged the war and increased the suffering of the Southern civilian population.

On the other hand, Sherman's campaign was seen as a possible solution - one that could weaken the Confederate war effort and hasten the end of the conflict. It was in this light that Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant approved of Sherman's mission.

Logistical Concerns and the Decision

Lincoln and Grant were concerned about sending a 60,000-man force deep into enemy territory without adequate logistical support. This was a significant risk. Sherman's confidence in the possibility of living off the land, knowing the absence of a large Confederate force to stop him, was a gamble he was willing to take. Lincoln and Grant ultimately gave their approval because Sherman was the commanding officer and they trusted his judgment.

Lincoln's primary concern during the march was not the impact on the civilian population but the effectiveness of the campaign in crippling the Confederate war effort. The region was a major supplier of resources, and many in the area were openly engaged in rebellion against the Union. Lincoln, despite his humanitarian principles and detesting war, recognized the necessity of this brutal method to achieve victory.

In essence, Lincoln supported Sherman's campaign not just because of moral considerations but because he believed that it would significantly hamper the Confederate’s ability to continue the war. Sherman's march would be a heavy blow to the Southern war effort, and this was a key factor in its approval.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding Sherman's march is multifaceted. While the campaign's impact on the civilian population was certainly a consideration, the strategic importance of weakening the Confederate war effort was paramount. Understanding Lincoln's perspective provides a more nuanced view of this critical period in American history. By weighing both the practical and moral implications, we can better contextualize the decisions made during the Civil War and appreciate the complexity of the conflicts faced by leaders like Lincoln and Sherman.