Sherman's 1864-65 Campaigns: Strategic Analysis and Lessons for Today
Abstract
This research paper examines the strategy, planning, and execution of the 1864-65 campaigns of Union General William T. Sherman. The purpose is two- fold: first, to gain a better understanding of the strategy and campaigns of one of the founders of the operational art in the industrial age; second, to determine what lessons modern theater campaign planners may learn from Sherman's generalship. The paper focuses on how Sherman integrated grand strategy, logistics, and the operational art to conduct three of the most successful campaigns of the American Civil War. The paper begins with brief overviews of the 1864-65 campaigns: the Atlanta campaign, the march through Georgia to the sea, and the march through the Carolinas. It then discusses how Sherman integrated his view of the nature of the war and Union grand strategy into a coherent series of theater campaign plans.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA283708
Entities
People
- Michael J. Hughes
Organizations
- Naval War College