Ep 4. Total War

Peter Batty Presents: The Divided Union - The Story of the American Civil War is a 5 part series that delves into the causes, events, and aftermath of one of the most significant wars in American history. In season 1, episode 4, titled Total War, viewers are taken through one of the most brutal periods of the Civil War.

At the beginning of the episode, audiences are reminded of the context of the war at the time. The Union had been struggling to gain the upper hand in the conflict, and just as it seemed as though both sides had reached a tentative stalemate, Confederate General Robert E. Lee marched his troops into Pennsylvania. It was a bold move that ultimately led to the Battle of Gettysburg, which was a major turning point in the war.

During the battle, both sides suffered significant losses, but it was the Confederates who suffered the most. General Lee retreated back into Virginia, and Union General Ulysses S. Grant took control of the Army of the Potomac. From this point on, Grant's strategy was to engage in total war. This meant that the Union army would engage the Confederacy on multiple fronts, with the goal of exhausting their resources and supplanted their ability to produce arms and other necessary items.

The episode goes into detail about the brutal tactics that were employed during this period of the Civil War. Union troops destroyed railroads, bridges, and other infrastructure that was necessary for the Confederacy to function. They also cut off supply lines and burned down towns and homes. While it was a cruel strategy, it was effective in ultimately bringing an end to the war, as the Confederacy was no longer able to support their troops.

Viewers are also introduced to key players during this time, including William T. Sherman. Sherman, who had previously been tasked with defending the city of Chattanooga, was now given control over a large swath of land in Georgia. His mission was to engage in total war, and he famously declared that "war is hell." Sherman's tactics included his famous march to the sea, where his troops destroyed everything in their path. The goal was to show the Confederacy that there was no hope for them, and that they would eventually have to surrender.

Throughout the episode, audiences are shown firsthand accounts of the destruction that was caused by total war. Soldiers and civilians alike suffered greatly, and the episode goes into detail about the psychological toll of this period of the Civil War. Despite the great sacrifice, however, the Union was ultimately successful and the Confederate army surrendered.

Total War is a fascinating look into a period of the Civil War that is often overlooked in history books. It is a testament to the bravery and courage of the soldiers who fought on both sides, as well as a reminder of the devastating effects that war can have on a nation. Peter Batty Presents: The Divided Union - The Story of the American Civil War season 1 episode 4 is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history.