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William Tecumseh Sherman

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William Tecumseh Sherman was a prominent American soldier, businessman, educator, and author.

General sherman
General sherman

He is most famous for his role as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Sherman was known for his highly original military strategies. However, his methods also drew significant criticism. He used scorched-earth policies to fight the Confederate States. This meant his troops destroyed many things to weaken the enemy. Historian B. H. Liddell Hart called him the "first modern general."

George Peter Alexander Healy - William T. Sherman - Google Art Project
George Peter Alexander Healy - William T. Sherman - Google Art Project

Sherman was born in 1820 in Lancaster, Ohio.

John Sherman Birthplace, Lancaster, Ohio, US
John Sherman Birthplace, Lancaster, Ohio, US

His father, Charles Robert Sherman, was a lawyer and a judge. When his father died in 1829, Sherman's mother had eleven children to raise. A family friend, Thomas Ewing, became Sherman's foster father. Ewing was a powerful politician and a U.S. senator. This connection helped Sherman attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1840 and began his career as a second lieutenant.

sherman young
sherman young

During his early military years, Sherman saw several different parts of the country. He served in the Second Seminole War in Florida. Later, he was assigned to duties in California during the Mexican–American War.

Sherman Quarters on 510 Calle Principal
Sherman Quarters on 510 Calle Principal

While in California, he helped launch the California Gold Rush. He did this by drafting official documents that confirmed gold had been found. He also tried working in business during this time. He managed a bank branch in San Francisco and worked as a lawyer. These business ventures were not very successful for him.

Lucas Turner & Co bank plaque
Lucas Turner & Co bank plaque

When the Civil War began in 1861, Sherman moved to the Western Theater. He formed a very important partnership with General Ulysses S. Grant.

Porter's flotilla below Vicksburg
Porter's flotilla below Vicksburg

Together, they fought in many major battles. These included the Battle of Fort Henry and the Battle of Shiloh. Sherman also helped lead the campaigns that resulted in the fall of Vicksburg. Vicksburg was a vital Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. He also played a key role in the Chattanooga campaign in Tennessee. These victories were essential for the Union Army.

In 1864, Sherman took command of the Western Theater after Grant moved east. He led the successful capture of the city of Atlanta. This military victory was very important for politics. It helped President Abraham Lincoln win re-election. Following this, Sherman began his famous "March to the Sea."

Sherman's March to the Sea - Project Gutenberg eText 21566
Sherman's March to the Sea - Project Gutenberg eText 21566

He led his troops through Georgia and the Carolinas. His goal was to destroy military and civilian infrastructure. He wanted to break the Confederacy's ability to continue the war. This policy involved destroying railroads and buildings.

Sherman railroad destroy
Sherman railroad destroy

Sherman accepted the surrender of Confederate armies in April 1865. This surrender covered the states of Georgia, the Carolinas, and Florida.

ACW Chattanooga2Carolinas
ACW Chattanooga2Carolinas

His negotiated terms were considered too generous by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Because of this, General Grant had to modify the terms. After the war, Sherman continued his military career. In 1869, he became the Commanding General of the U.S. Army. He held this position for fourteen years, until 1883. During this time, he was responsible for the Army's actions during the Indian Wars.

Sherman left behind a complex legacy in American history. He published his memoirs in 1875. These books became famous first-hand accounts of the Civil War. He was known for refusing to get involved in party politics. Even though his tactics were controversial, his impact on military history was huge. He helped shape how modern armies operate. He died in 1891, leaving a lasting mark on the United States.

William-t-sherman photo vy Sarnoy
William-t-sherman photo vy Sarnoy
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🖼️ Images & Media (39)
File:John Sherman Birthplace, Lancaster, Ohio, US.jpg
John Sherman Birthplace, Lancaster, Ohio, US.jpg
File:sherman young.jpg
sherman young.jpg
File:Sherman Quarters on 510 Calle Principal.jpg
Sherman Quarters on 510 Calle Principal.jpg
File:Lucas Turner & Co bank plaque.jpg
Lucas Turner & Co bank plaque.jpg
File:LSUcannons crop.jpg
LSUcannons crop.jpg
File:General sherman.jpg
General sherman.jpg
File:George Peter Alexander Healy - William T. Sherman - Google Art Project.jpg
George Peter Alexander Healy - William T....
File:Porter's flotilla below Vicksburg.jpg
Porter's flotilla below Vicksburg.jpg
Chattanooga Campaign Battles November 24-25.pdf
File:ACW Chattanooga2Carolinas.png
ACW Chattanooga2Carolinas.png
File:Sherman-Horseback.jpg
Sherman-Horseback.jpg
File:Green-Meldrim House, Savannah, GA, US.JPG
Green-Meldrim House, Savannah, GA, US.JPG

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