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The Life of William Tecumseh Sherman: A Modern War Studies Perspective

Edward Reed

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Published in Citizen Sherman: A Life Of William Tecumseh Sherman (Modern War Studies)

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William Tecumseh Sherman was one of the most controversial and successful generals in American history. His scorched-earth tactics during the Civil War earned him the nickname "The Butcher," but he also played a key role in the Union victory. This book provides a modern war studies perspective on Sherman's life and career, examining his military strategies, leadership style, and impact on American warfare.

Sherman's Early Life and Career

Sherman was born in 1820 in Ohio. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1840 and served in the army for the next several years. He resigned from the army in 1853 to pursue a career in business, but he returned to the army at the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.

Citizen Sherman: A Life of William Tecumseh Sherman (Modern War Studies)

by Michael Fellman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3991 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	486 pages

Sherman quickly rose through the ranks of the Union army, and by 1864 he was commanding the Army of the Cumberland. In this role, he played a key role in the Union victory at the Battle of Chattanooga. Sherman then led the army on a devastating march through Georgia, destroying crops and infrastructure as he went. This march, known as Sherman's March to the Sea, helped to break the Confederate army and led to the end of the war in 1865.

Sherman's Military Strategies

Sherman was a master of military strategy. He was known for his aggressive and unconventional tactics, which often surprised and overwhelmed his opponents. Sherman believed that the best way to win a war was to destroy the enemy's ability to fight. He was willing to use any means necessary to achieve this goal, including scorched-earth tactics and total war.

Sherman's military strategies were controversial at the time, and they remain controversial today. Some historians believe that Sherman's tactics were too harsh and that he caused unnecessary suffering. Others argue that Sherman's tactics were necessary to win the war and that he saved lives in the long run.

Sherman's Leadership Style

Sherman was a demanding and often ruthless leader. He expected his soldiers to obey his Free Downloads without question, and he was not afraid to punish those who disobeyed. Sherman was also known for his profanity and his fiery temper. However, Sherman was also a charismatic leader who inspired loyalty in his soldiers. He was able to motivate his troops to fight hard, even in the face of adversity.

Sherman's leadership style was not without its critics. Some historians believe that Sherman was too authoritarian and that he stifled creativity and innovation. Others argue that Sherman's leadership style was necessary to win the war and that he was a brilliant commander who saved the Union.

Sherman's Impact on American Warfare

Sherman's impact on American warfare is undeniable. He was one of the most successful generals in American history, and his military strategies and leadership style continue to be studied by military leaders today. Sherman's scorched-earth tactics and his willingness to use total war were controversial at the time, but they helped to break the Confederate army and led to the end of the Civil War. Sherman's legacy is complex and controversial, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important generals in American history.

Citizen Sherman: A Life of William Tecumseh Sherman (Modern War Studies)

by Michael Fellman

4.5 out of 5