Sherman's Atlantic Campaign and his March to the Sea, destroyed the South (mainly Georgia). The Union burned thousands of homes, crops and stores. The South's industry, agriculture, as well as the important Georgia railroads were devastated. It destroyed Georgia which ultimately brought down the Confederacy.
Scorched earth.
During the US Civil War, Union generals Grant and Sherman employed what was called total war and /or scorched earth tactics.
Grant and Sherman
Grant ordered Sheridan to destroy the farms in the Shenandoah. Then Sherman settled on a campaign of destruction across Georgia and South Carolina, to starve the Confederates into surrender. This strategy had the effect of ending the war quicker than assaulting the armies.
For a major part of the US Civil War, General Sherman reported to General US Grant. They did not always agree on tactics. For example, Sherman thought it was foolish of Grant to order him to dig a canal to change the course of the Mississippi River in order to capture Vicksburg. Also, Sherman believed that Grant was over worried about news reporters in their camps.
To change the course of the war. Grant and Sherman both believed that it was the strength of the people's will that was keeping the war going.
Grant and Sherman
Grant to Sherman: "Make Georgia howl!"
Sherman carried credibility with Grant, tested under fire, and was a trusted friend.
Scorched earth.
During the US Civil War, Union generals Grant and Sherman employed what was called total war and /or scorched earth tactics.
Grant was willing to fight hard enough to end the war. Sherman instituted the tactic of destroying an enemy's infrastructure and ability to wage war. Example: Sherman's march to the sea through Atlanta, GA.
William Tecumseh Sherman and Ulysses S. Grant
Sherman practiced a strategy called total war. They both surrounded their opponents.
Grant. Sherman. Sheridan.
Grant and Sherman
Wonderful question! Tacticaly Grant because he changed the way the War Between the States was fought, but strategicaly Sherman because he changed the way future wars were fought. The nod goes to Sherman.