Strategy:
1. Total War: Sherman believed in waging total war, targeting not only the enemy's armies but also their resources, supply lines, and infrastructure. He aimed to demoralize the Confederate population and hasten the end of the conflict.
2. March to the Sea: His most famous campaign, the March to the Sea (November-December 1864), involved leading his army of 60,000 troops from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. Sherman's intention was to cut off Confederate supply routes and devastate the economic heartland of the South.
3. Scorched-Earth Policy: As his troops advanced, Sherman implemented a scorched-earth policy, destroying infrastructure and resources that could benefit the Confederate war effort. This approach aimed to weaken the South's ability to continue fighting and demoralize the civilian population.
Tactics:
1. Cavalry Raids: Sherman emphasized the use of cavalry units for scouting, raiding, and cutting off enemy supply lines. His cavalry frequently targeted important Confederate rail hubs and supply depots, disrupting logistical operations.
2. Flanking Maneuvers: Sherman was adept at flanking the enemy. He would often divide his army, sending one wing to attack the Confederate front while another wing struck from the side or rear. This strategy led to several significant Union victories.
3. Rapid Movement: Sherman's army moved quickly and covered long distances. His troops marched up to 20 miles a day, and he often took advantage of surprise and superior mobility.
4. Demolition and Psychological Warfare: Union forces under Sherman's command used innovative methods to destroy Confederate infrastructure and instill terror. His soldiers destroyed railroads, burned crops and plantations, and liberated enslaved people, all of which contributed to the psychological impact of the campaigns.
Sherman's strategies and tactics were controversial, even within the Union ranks. Critics accused him of excessive brutality and destruction. However, his bold approach ultimately contributed to the collapse of the Confederacy and hastened the end of the Civil War.