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West Point Graduation
William T. Sherman Graduates from west point as a second lieutenant of the artillery. Beginning his military career. -
Sherman's Promotion
Sherman was made a colonel in the 13th U.S. Infantry beginning his civil war career. Then he was promoted to brigadier general after the battle of Bull Run. -
Battle of Shiloh
General Grant and General Sherman are surprise attacked at Shiloh. They managed to rally their troops and defeat the Confederates. This is Sherman's first major victory. The battle forms a bond between Grant and Sherman. -
Vicksburg Campaign
William T. Sherman served as Grant's subordinate during the campaign to take Vicksburg. He led a failed amphibious attack on Vicksburg. Despite this failure he was valuable to the Vicksburg campaign. He was able to command detachments of Grant's army when grant needed to split his army. His command helped Grant eventually capture Vicksburg. -
Chattanooga
General Grant and Sherman led a relief force to the city of Chattanooga. Breaking the siege of Chattanooga gives the Union Kentucky. Lincoln believed this helped tip the war even more in the favor of the north. -
Sherman takes Meridian
General William T. Sherman captured a Southern railroad center at Meridian. He destroyed the railroad center. The Meridian campaign gave Sherman experience with total war which he would later use for his march to the sea. -
Capture of Atlanta
Confederate forces abandon Atlanta and Sherman captures the city. The city was a major symbol of pride for the South as well a a railroad and economic center. It was a devastating blow to the South. Eventually, Grant ordered the burning of several buildings and 30% of the city was razed. -
Sherman's March to the Sea
On November 15, 1864 Sherman left Atlanta and began his famous march to the sea. Sherman split his army in two. He had Major General George Thomas march to Nashville with 60,000 troops. Sherman took 62,000 troops and headed towards Savanah. During the march Sherman exercised total war. He burned crops, tore up rail roads and destroyed the homes of anyone who resisted. The march was nicknamed "Sherman's March to the Sea." -
Capture of Savanah
Sherman captured Savanah on December 21, 1865. The 10,000 Confederate troops guarding Savanah retreated from the city. The only resistance Sherman had encountered was Confederate skirmishing cavalry outside the city. The skirmishing left the Union with 62 casualties and the Confederates with 650. The capture of Savanah ended his march to the sea and he began to march his soldiers tower Charleston.
