Ep 12. Sherman's March

Sherman's March:

The History Specials season 1 episode 12, titled "Sherman's March," examines the infamous military campaign of Union General William Tecumseh Sherman during the American Civil War.

The episode takes us back to 1864, when Sherman was given the task of leading his troops from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia, in an effort to disrupt Confederate supply lines and break the Southern morale. Sherman proposed a "scorched earth" strategy, in which his army would destroy everything in their path, including civilian infrastructure, in order to demoralize the Confederate troops and civilians into surrendering.

The documentary shows how Sherman's troops marched across Georgia, destroying railroads, factories, and towns, and taking livestock, crops, and supplies from civilians. They also freed slaves and recruited them into the army, in an effort to undermine the Confederate economy and army.

The episode features interviews with historians, Civil War reenactors, and descendants of those affected by Sherman's March. They explore the immense impact that the campaign had on the South, as well as the controversy surrounding the tactics used by Sherman and his troops.

One of the key debates explored in the episode is whether Sherman's March qualifies as a war crime, given the destruction of civilian property and infrastructure. While some argue that it was a necessary measure that helped end the war sooner, others argue that it caused unnecessary suffering and devastation for civilians who were not involved in the fighting.

Throughout the episode, we see how Sherman's March affected different communities in Georgia, from wealthy plantation owners to poor farmers and slaves. We also learn about the role that the March played in shaping post-war reconciliation between North and South, and how its legacy continues to impact discussions around warfare and civilian casualties today.

Overall, "Sherman's March" offers a detailed and nuanced exploration of one of the most controversial military campaigns in American history. Through a combination of historical analysis and personal stories, the episode provides a compelling portrait of how war can have far-reaching and unpredictable consequences for people on all sides.