What were some facts about Union General Sherman's March to the Sea?

Answer 1

Union General William T. Sherman walked into Atlanta, Georgia after all Confederate troops were forced to evacuate the city or be captured or lose many soldiers in a battle with Sherman's three large armies. He entered Atlanta on September 1, 1864 and made the city his headquarters. After a month went by he began his infamous march to the sea. He left Atlanta after setting it afire. After a Catholic priest begged him not to burn down a hospital Sherman agreed. His march was intended to meet a Union naval convoy at the Georgia seaport city of Savannah. On his way there he destroyed or kept any crops or livestock that he could use and burned the rest. His goal was to deprive Rebel armies of the supplies they needed to carry on the war. Attacking civilian property was not a normal policy for either side in the war. Union General Henry Halleck was concerned that Sherman was violating combat normalities, perhaps committing war crimes. Nevertheless, Sherman left little of any value behind as he marched to the sea, Savannah surrendered and Sherman hooked up with a naval convoy in the Savannah harbor.