Question 1: Armies traditionally laid siege to a town through a series of coordinated tactics aimed at isolating and weakening the target. The process typically involved surrounding the town to cut off supply lines and communication, establishing fortifications to prevent reinforcements, and employing siege engines or artillery to breach the walls. Armies would also conduct attacks on key points of the fortifications, such as gates and towers, while often using strategies like undermining walls to create breaches. Psychological tactics, such as displaying the might of the besieging force or spreading misinformation, could also be part of the siege strategy. The goal of these efforts was to force surrender due to starvation, depletion of resources, or reducing morale within the besieged town.
Question 2: An army would want control of a town like Savannah for several strategic reasons. Firstly, towns often served as key logistical hubs, providing essential resources such as food, water, and supplies that could support military operations. Secondly, control over Savannah, particularly during historical conflicts like the American Revolution or Civil War, could offer strategic geographical advantages, such as access to ports for shipping or transportation routes. Additionally, gaining control of a significant town could bolster territory claims, diminish the enemy's resources and morale, and consolidate political power in that region. Ultimately, holding Savannah could serve both immediate military goals and longer-term strategic interests in the theater of conflict.