Why did Generals Grant and Sherman use a total war strategy and how did that strategy contribute to the end of the war? Write like a student. Write in 1 paragraph.

Answer 1

Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman adopted a total war strategy during the American Civil War primarily to undermine the Confederacy’s ability to sustain its military efforts and to break the will of its civilian population. By targeting not only enemy troops but also the resources and infrastructure that supported the Confederate war effort, such as railroads, factories, and farms, they aimed to create a sense of desperation among Southern civilians, thus weakening their resolve to continue fighting. This approach was exemplified by Sherman’s infamous "March to the Sea," where he led his troops through Georgia, destroying everything in their path. As a result, the relentless nature of their campaigns hastened the collapse of the Confederate economy and morale, contributing significantly to the war's conclusion by forcing the Union's adversaries to confront the harsh realities of defeat.