Sherman's March to the Sea 1864: Atlanta to Savannah

Osprey Campaign #179

by David Smith, Richard Hook (Illustrator)

The March to the Sea was the culmination of Union General William T. Sherman's 1864 campaign during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and was a devastating example of "total war." Confederate hopes in 1864 hinged on frustrating Union forces in the field and forcing Abraham Lincoln out of office in the November elections. However, this optimism was dampened by Sherman's success in the battle of Atlanta that same year.

Riding on the wave of this victory, Sherman hoped to push his forces into Confederate territory, but his plan was hindered by a Confederate threat to the army's supply lines.
After much delay, he boldly chose to abandon these, forcing the army to live off the land for the entirety of the 285-mile march to Savannah, destroying all war-making capabilities of the enemy en route, and inflicting suffering not only on Confederate troops, but also on the civilian population. Despite the vilification that this brutal tactic earned him, the march was a success.

Supported by contemporary photographs, detailed maps, bird's eye views, and battlescene artwork, this title explores the key personalities, strategies, and significant engagements of the march, including the battles of Franklin and Nashville, and the ultimate fall of Savannah to the Union, to provide a detailed analysis of the campaign that marked the "beginning of the end" of the American Civil War.

Genres: American Civil War, Military History, Civil War, History, Civil War Western Theater, American, American History

96 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2007

About the author

David[11 spaces]Smith

Reviews

[Sean Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a decent enough book on Sherman's March to the Sea. The illustrations by Richard Hook are good. The march itself is well covered. Hood's Tennessee Campaign is less well covered. Sadly, when Osprey did get around to releasing a book on that campaign it was not among their best.

[Gonzalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know you have a diversity problem when “just for a change”, you read a volume from the same collection, Osprey Campaigns, from the same conflict, the American Civil War BUT, you pick one about the Western Theater, and not the Eastern. One about an actual campaign, and not a singular battle. I am indeed interested in a variety of topics.

The reality is that I got this volume because I was hoping to do some sightseeing in the area, something that might have to wait. Nevertheless, there is a different feeling between this volume an “Antietam” and “Gettysburg” by the sheer temporal and geographical scale of the events. Perhaps for that reason there is at least the perception there is a lot of movement and maneuvering, which, although it might be difficult to follow sometimes, is what makes this kind of books entertaining. After a few volumes without two-page plates, I enjoyed the three included here very much, particularly “Minty’s charge at Lovejoy Station”. 3D maps were good, but these is one thing where I believe the older, hand drawn ones were better.

In my shelf there is already a copy of “First Bull Run”, but short of a “Honey, let’s go to Manssas this weekend”, I think it is going to stay there for a little while.

[Vincent Klus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastating

Vincent Klus
The carnage and dedication of the southern defenders is true dedication. No matter how you feel about the outcome of the war I cannot help but feel true sorrow for the ultimate carnage inflicted on both the federalist and the Confederacy

[Robert Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent summary of the key points in Sherman’s march to Savannah in 1864. The text is well organised and clear, and is supported by some very useful Richard Hook illustrations, particularly where they give a brief overview of a specific battle. The numerous photos are mainly portraits of the various officers involved, with a few landscape shots as well, all of which are captioned in a very informative way. The finishes with a brief section summarising how the various battlefields are commemorated today, which is a nice touch. An enjoyable read for any interested in the American Civil War.

[James Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good look at Sherman's incredible march through various Southern states in the Civil War, and the new form of warfare that he used. It examines the type of destruction his army sent about doing and how the South, by that time, didn't really have the military power to stop him. Lots of photos, etc.

[Mark Luongo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good supplement to the "Southern Storm" book I'm reading. Particularly good maps/graphics of Hood's campaign in Tennessee. As always Osprey does a great job with relevant pictures and art work.