How did the concept of “total war” manifest during the American Civil War?

During the American Civil War, the concept of “total war” was evident as both the Union and Confederate armies employed strategies that targeted not only military forces but also civilian populations and resources.

Sherman's March to the Sea

One of the most infamous examples of total war was General Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864, where Union troops engaged in pillaging and destruction as they moved through Georgia, cutting a path of devastation.

Grant's Overland Campaign

General Grant's Overland Campaign also exemplified total war tactics, with the Union army engaging in relentless warfare against the Confederate forces, culminating in the brutal Battle of Gettysburg.

Impact on Civilian Populations

Both sides engaged in siege warfare, guerrilla tactics, and economic warfare. The Union blockade of Southern ports severely impacted Southern agriculture and economy, while infrastructure destruction and blockades further devastated the South.

Overall, the American Civil War showcased the brutal reality of total war, where civilian populations and resources were targeted along with military forces, leaving a lasting impact on both the North and the South.