As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions or beliefs. However, I can provide an analysis of the circumstances surrounding General Sherman's total war strategy during the American Civil War.
The total war strategy employed by General Sherman involved deliberately targeting infrastructure and civilian resources in order to break the will of the Southern population to continue fighting. This approach, known for its devastating effect on civilians, was controversial even during its time.
If I were to put myself in the shoes of someone from the Union during the Civil War, my opinion would likely depend on various factors, including the justification for such tactics, the moral implications, and the overall objectives of the Union.
Supporters of General Sherman's strategy argue that it contributed to ending the war more swiftly. They believed that by targeting civilian infrastructure and resources, it would undermine the South's capacity to continue the fight, leading to a quicker resolution and saving lives in the long run. They also argue that the war was between two nations and not simply opposing armies, so civilians were not entirely exempt from the consequences.
Opponents of Sherman's tactics argue that this approach violated the accepted rules of warfare at the time, which typically distinguished between combatants and non-combatants. They highlight the potentially disproportionate suffering caused to civilians and the long-lasting scars it left on Southern communities.
Ultimately, this is a historical debate that continues to provoke differing opinions. The judgment of Sherman's strategy often depends on one's perspective, the context of the war, and individual considerations of morality and effectiveness in achieving the Union's objectives.
General Sherman used the total war strategy, during which the North didn't discriminate between civilians and the military when attacking the South. Would you have agreed with this tactic if you had been part of the Union (North) during the Civil War? Why or why not?
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