On November 15, 1864, William Tecumseh Sherman began a 285-mile march from Atlanta to Savannah with 60,000 troops. In a telegram to Ulysses S. Grant dated October 9, 1864, his stated objective was the “utter destruction” of Georgia’s roads, houses, and military resources, and to “make Georgia howl.” His philosophy of total war was designed to bring the war to the civilian population short of harming them directly. Sherman saw the military front and the home front as intimately connected because the agricultural and industrial sectors directly supplied the military. Thus the farms, railroads, and factories that supported the war were as much a part of the war effort as were the soldiers on the battlefield. Sherman did not attack civilians, but he did attack their property. His troops twisted railroad lines; destroyed plantation homes, bridges, and factories; cut down trees to block roads; and confiscated livestock such as cows, sheep, turkeys, and hogs as well as crops and foodstuffs. Although Sherman’s troops were pursued by Confederate forces, none were able to stop his march. His march encouraged slaves to run away in droves and expedited the desertion of Confederate soldiers, but his march has remained an act of controversy. Nevertheless, when Sherman arrived in Savannah in December 1864, he sent Lincoln this famous telegraph: “I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, and also about twenty-five thousand bales of cotton.” Augustine laid out several criteria for war. One was that war must be declared by a lawful authority. Another was the war must have a just cause. A third was that the means used must be proportional to the harm inflicted on the offended party. Aquinas argued for proportionality in war, meaning that the degree of force should not exceed the necessary amount required. Combatants were, in principle, to distinguish between military and civilian personnel. Lastly, the bad effects must not outweigh the good effects. In a paper of 650 to 750 words (3 pages), consider Sherman’s attack on private property and his destruction and confiscation of property and goods. Focus on the following questions:
Considering Augustine’s theories, in what ways was Sherman’s march proportional to the damage inflicted in the larger war? Did Sherman’s attack on civilian property violate Aquinas’s prohibition against not distinguishing between military and civilian personnel? If so, how? Given the effects of breaking southern morale and freeing thousands of slaves, did the good effects of Sherman’s march outweigh the bad? If so, in what ways? [MO 2.2] Be sure to document all outside sources used in your assignment, and use accurate APA style for documentation.