William T Sherman is number 4 on our famous people top 10 list of Civil War generals. Here is his micro biography:
William T. Sherman was one of the most important figures in American military history. He was born on February 8, 1820 in Lancaster, Ohio and died on February 14, 1891 in New York City. Sherman was a brilliant military strategist and a key figure in the Union’s victory in the American Civil War.
Sherman graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1840 and served in the Mexican-American War. After resigning from the military in 1853, he worked in the private sector, but rejoined the army when the Civil War broke out. He quickly rose through the ranks and was eventually promoted to Major General.
Sherman is most famous for his “March to the Sea” during the Civil War, where he led his troops on a brutal and devastating march through Georgia, burning much of the state to the ground. This campaign is often considered a turning point in the war and helped bring a swift end to the conflict.
William T Sherman after Civil War
After the war, Sherman was appointed General of the Army and served as Commanding General of the United States Army until 1883. He was known for his fiery personality and quick temper, but was also a devoted husband and father. He was called “Crazy Bill” by some of his contemporaries, but he was also respected and admired by many for his military prowess.
In addition to his military career, Sherman also served as a diplomat and helped negotiate the settlement of the Apache Wars in the Southwest. He was a strong advocate for black rights and helped create schools for freed slaves in the South after the Civil War. He was a close friend of President Ulysses S. Grant and the two worked closely together during the war.
Sherman was also a talented public speaker and often gave speeches promoting the reunification of the North and South after the Civil War. He played a key role in the development of the modern American army and helped establish the principles of military organization and strategy. He was instrumental in the creation of several national military parks, including Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
Sherman as Influencer
Despite his sometimes controversial views and actions, Sherman will always be remembered as one of the most influential military leaders in United States history. He wrote a memoir called “Memoirs of General William T. Sherman” that was published in 1875 and provides a unique perspective on his life and the events of the Civil War.
In conclusion, William T. Sherman was a bold and brilliant military leader who left a lasting impact on the United States and its history. His aggressive tactics during the Civil War helped bring an end to the conflict and his legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated to this day. He was a complex and dynamic figure in American history whose life and career will always be remembered and studied.
Here is the bibliography for Civil War Generals for this micro biography.