After William T. Sherman had captured Atlanta on September 2, 1864, he decided to move his base to the coast. President Lincoln was very doubtful about the decision of moving the base to enemy territory before the election. As a result, Sherman decided to postpone the move until after the election.
Meanwhile on the confederate side, General …show more content…
The right wing was controlled by Oliver O. Howard, while the left was by Henry W. Slocum. William Sherman had about 600 ambulances and 2,500 supply wagons. The march had begun. The two wings headed to different ways staying at least 20 to 40 miles apart. The right wing headed for Macon, Georgia and the left wing headed for Augusta. They headed for the capital, Milledgeville. They raided farms and farms and plantations and were known as "bummers". This past November, on the twenty-third, Sherman took over the governor's mansion and capitol building.
Fort McAllister fell, and Sherman prepared for a siege of Savannah. Confederate lieutenant general Hardee, decided to retreat because he knew his small army could not stand. Sherman telegraphed president Lincoln and told him December 22 that the city had fallen. As a Christmas present, he offered Lincoln Savannah and along with it 25,000 bales of cotton. Sherman had terribly frightened the people of the North(union) and showed them that the government could not protect them. They destroyed all food and left the people hungry and dispirited.
In conclusion, Sherman's March to the Sea was very destructive. It was very terrifying to y'all and I hope no more battles are to come upon us again. Just know that you will always have to protect yourself and others. Savannah will now be under reconstruction so please help if you can. Thank