What significant military tactic did Sherman famously employ during his campaign in the South?

Sherman's campaign in the South, particularly during his infamous March to the Sea, is characterized by the total war strategy. This approach involved not only engaging enemy forces in battle but also targeting infrastructure, resources, and civilian morale to undermine the Confederacy’s ability to wage war. By destroying railroads, burning crops, and dismantling supply lines, Sherman aimed to create a psychological impact that would demoralize both soldiers and civilians. This strategy was designed to expedite the end of the war by weakening the South’s resolve and economic capacity to continue fighting.

The effectiveness of this tactic lay in its comprehensive approach, aiming to disrupt the entire societal fabric of the Confederacy rather than merely defeating its military forces in traditional battle. Sherman's actions were instrumental in the Union’s overall strategy of conquest and contributed to the eventual surrender of Confederate forces.