Question

During General William Tecumseh say Sherman's infamous March to the Sea in 1864, his army advanced from Atlanta to Savannah, destroying Confederate resources along the way. One of his major targets was Columbia, South Carolina, which he viewed as the heart of the rebellion. Columbia was the capital of South Carolina, the first state to secede from the Union. It was a symbol of the Confederacy, and Sherman believed that attacking this city would not only cripple the Confederate government but also demoralize the Southern population. Sherman's forces destroyed much of Colombia, burning buildings and vital infrastructure.
Based on the passage, why did Sherman target Columbia, South Carolina during the Civil War, and what impact did this have on the Confederacy?
A. Columbia was an important military supply hub for the Union, so Sherman sought to capture it.
B. Sherman believed that attacking Columbia would break the Confederate people's will to fight by targeting a symbolic city.
C. Columbia was a major center for slave trade, and Sherman wanted to end the practice.
D. Sherman thought that capturing Columbia would help the Union win the war quickly by gaining a significant Confederate stronghold.

Answer 1

B. Sherman believed that attacking Columbia would break the Confederate people's will to fight by targeting a symbolic city.

Explanation: The passage states Columbia was viewed as the "heart of the rebellion" and a symbol (first state to secede), and Sherman expected attacking it would cripple the Confederate government and demoralize the Southern population. The other choices are not supported by the passage.