Who led the March to the Sea during the Civil War?

Study for the CLEP US History 1 Test. Immerse in flashcards and multiple choice questions, each complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

William Tecumseh Sherman led the March to the Sea during the Civil War, a significant military campaign that took place from November to December 1864. This operation began in Atlanta, Georgia, and involved Sherman's forces marching approximately 300 miles to the coastal city of Savannah. The purpose of the March to the Sea was to implement a strategy of "total war," which aimed to disrupt the South's economic and psychological capacity to support the Confederate war effort.

Sherman's troops systematically destroyed infrastructure, supplies, and civilian property along the way, showcasing the harsh realities of war and aiming to weaken the Confederate morale. This campaign is renowned for its boldness and effectiveness, symbolizing a turning point in the Civil War as it significantly demoralized the Southern populace and weakened the Confederate military's ability to continue fighting. Sherman's tactics not only contributed to the eventual Union victory but also laid the groundwork for modern warfare strategies that involve targeting not just enemy soldiers but the very resources that support them.

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