A renowned Union general during the American Civil War, he's infamous for his scorched earth tactics and march through the Confederacy, leaving destruction in his wake.
William Tecumseh Sherman is infamous for his role in the American Civil War, earning recognition for his exceptional military strategy and criticism for his brutal scorched earth policies. As a prominent Union general, Sherman's campaigns left an indelible mark on the Confederacy, shaping the outcome of the war and cementing his place in American history.
Born on February 8, 1820, in Lancaster, Ohio, Sherman was part of a politically prominent family. His early life was marked by tragedy, with his father passing away when he was just nine years old. Despite these challenges, Sherman persevered, graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1840.
Sherman's military career was marked by periods of brilliance and controversy. He served in the Seminole Wars and later commanded a brigade of volunteers at the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861. However, his pessimism about the war's outcome led to a breakdown, resulting in a brief leave of absence. It was during this time that he forged a crucial partnership with General Ulysses S. Grant, which would prove instrumental in his future success.
Under Grant's command, Sherman played a pivotal role in several key battles, including the Battle of Fort Henry, the Battle of Fort Donelson, and the Battle of Shiloh. His military prowess and strategic thinking earned him recognition as a brilliant commander. In 1864, when Grant became General-in-Chief of the Union Armies, Sherman succeeded him as commander in the Western Theater.
Sherman's most famous campaign was the March to the Sea, a brutal and destructive campaign that left a trail of devastation in its wake. The march, which lasted from November 15 to December 21, 1864, saw Sherman's army ravage large portions of the Confederacy, destroying infrastructure, crops, and cities. While the campaign was crucial in crippling the Confederacy, it also sparked controversy and debate about the morality of such tactics.
Sherman's legacy is complex and multifaceted. While he is hailed as a brilliant military strategist, his scorched earth policies have been criticized for their brutality and devastating impact on civilians. British military theorist and historian B. H. Liddell Hart declared Sherman "the most original genius of the American Civil War" and "the first modern general." However, his methods have also been denounced as inhumane and overly aggressive.
After the Civil War, Sherman continued to serve in the military, eventually becoming the General of the Army in 1869. He retired from active duty in 1883 and went on to become a successful author and businessman. Sherman passed away on February 14, 1891, leaving behind a legacy of controversy and fascination.
Sherman's legacy continues to be debated among historians and scholars. While his military prowess and strategic thinking are undeniable, his brutal tactics and their impact on civilians remain a subject of controversy. As a complex and multifaceted figure, Sherman's legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities of war and the need for nuanced understandings of historical events.
Born in 1822
Led the Union Army to victory in the Civil War and later became President, known for issuing the Emancipation Proclamation and strengthening federal authority.
Born in 1809
Led the United States through its Civil War and ultimately abolished slavery, leaving a lasting legacy in American history.
Born in 1807
Led the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War, surrendering to Union forces at Appomattox, marking the war's effective end.
Born in 1808
The President of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War, leading the secessionist movement and fighting to preserve slavery. He's infamous for his role in the Civil War and its aftermath.
Born in 1826
A Union general during the American Civil War, he's infamous for his cautious tactics and disagreements with President Lincoln, later becoming a governor of New Jersey.
Born in 1824
A Union general during the American Civil War, known for his distinctive sideburns and leading the Army of the Potomac to a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Born in 1814
Union general who played a crucial role in the American Civil War, particularly at the Battle of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.
Born in 1815
Led the Union Army to victory in the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the American Civil War, and later oversaw the construction of the Washington Aqueduct.
