Question 4: How did armies traditionally lay siege to a town?
Armies traditionally laid siege to a town by surrounding it to cut off supplies and reinforcements, effectively isolating it from the outside. This process often involved constructing fortifications, such as trenches and bastions, to protect the besieging forces. Sieges commonly included strategies such as bombarding the town with artillery to break down walls, employing sappers to tunnel under defenses, and using siege towers or ladders to reach higher ground. The goal was to weaken the defenders through starvation, demoralization, and constant attacks until the town surrendered.
Question 5: Why would an army want control of a town like Savannah?
An army would want control of a town like Savannah for several strategic reasons. Firstly, Savannah's geographical location as a port city would allow for control over trade routes and supply lines, significantly impacting the economy and logistics of the region. Secondly, capturing a key urban center would provide a strategic military advantage, serving as a base for further operations and troop deployments. Additionally, taking control of Savannah could boost morale for the army and its supporters, disrupt enemy operations, and diminish the latter's control over the surrounding territory, making it a crucial objective in military campaigns.