General Sherman used the total war strategy, during which the North didn't discriminate between civilians and the military when attacking the South. Would some have agreed with this tactic if they had been part of the Union (North) during the Civil War? Why or why not?
Yes, some individuals would have agreed with General Sherman's total war strategy had they been part of the Union during the Civil War. The total war strategy aimed to cripple the South by targeting its infrastructure, resources, and civilian support, in addition to its military forces.
Supporters of this approach would argue that by attacking civilians and their property, the Northern forces could undermine the southern economy, diminish civilian morale, and hasten the end of the war. They believed that a quick and decisive victory was necessary to bring about a reunification of the nation.
Moreover, some Union supporters might have seen the total war strategy as a justifiable response to the secession and rebellion of the Southern states. They could view the war as a struggle for preserving the Union and abolishing slavery, and thus taking a hardline approach against the South was necessary to achieve these goals.
On the other hand, there would also be individuals within the Union who would have opposed this tactic. Critics of total war argued that it violated the principles of humanity, morality, and the laws of war. They believed that civilians should be spared from the horrors of conflict and that targeting them unnecessarily would only prolong the war and intensify resentment, making a post-war reconciliation more difficult.
Additionally, some Northern citizens may have been concerned about the potential retaliatory actions taken against civilians living in the North. They might have feared that brutal tactics could escalate the conflict and lead to further destruction and suffering on both sides.
Overall, the acceptance or rejection of General Sherman's total war strategy would have varied among individuals, reflecting the divergent perspectives, values, and priorities prevalent during the Civil War era.
If someone had been part of the Union (North) during the Civil War, their opinion on General Sherman's total war strategy would depend on their personal perspective and beliefs. Here are possible arguments for and against supporting this tactic:
Some people might have agreed with General Sherman's strategy for the following reasons:
1. Shortening the war: By targeting civilian infrastructure, such as railroads and factories, General Sherman aimed to break the South's ability to continue fighting. Supporters might argue that this strategy was necessary to bring a swift end to the war and save Union lives in the long run.
2. Demoralizing the enemy: Supporters might argue that by striking at the hearts of Southern civilians, the Union could weaken the morale and willpower of the Confederate troops, leading to a quicker surrender and fewer casualties overall.
3. Punishing secession: Those who believed that secession was unlawful and wanted to teach the South a lesson might have supported Sherman's tactics as a means of punishing them for rebelling against the Union.
On the other hand, some people might have opposed General Sherman's total war strategy for the following reasons:
1. Humanitarian concerns: Many would argue that deliberately targeting civilians is morally wrong and goes against the principles of just warfare. They might believe that civilians should not suffer for the decisions of their government or military leaders.
2. Escalating violence: Opponents might contend that conducting total war could escalate the level of violence and increase hostility, making peaceful reconciliation more difficult in the future.
3. Long-term consequences: Critics might argue that the destruction caused by total war could damage the South economically and socially for years, hindering post-war reconciliation and recovery.
It's important to remember that these are potential reasons and perspectives, and actual historical opinions varied among Northern citizens during the Civil War.