American General The Life and Times of William Tecumseh Sherman by
As someone who has always been fascinated by American history, I was excited to delve into John S.D. Eisenhower‘s book, American General: The Life and Times of William Tecumseh Sherman. This 768-page tome promised to be a comprehensive account of one of the most controversial figures in American military history. Throughout the pages, Eisenhower delves deep into Sherman’s personal life, military career, and legacy in a way that hooked me from start to finish.
Brief Overview of the Book
Eisenhower’s book is not just a biography of Sherman; it is a sweeping narrative that analyzes his life and times within the larger context of American history. This book covers everything from his early days as an Army officer to his controversial tactics during the Civil War and his post-war career as a general and public figure.
Background Information on John S.D. Eisenhower
Of course, any good book review should also give some background on the author. In this case, Eisenhower was uniquely qualified to write about Sherman since he was not only a renowned historian but also happened to be the son of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower (who was himself deeply interested in Civil War history) and an American General himself.
Thesis Statement
My thesis statement for this review is simple: if you’re interested in delving deep into one of America’s most fascinating historical figures, American General: The Life and Times of William Tecumseh Sherman is an absolute must-read. I came away from this book with a much greater appreciation for Sherman’s personal struggles and achievements and his impact on shaping America’s post-Civil War society.
The Life and Times of William Tecumseh Sherman: A General Overview
William Tecumseh Sherman was a complex and fascinating figure in American history. He was born into a family of eleven children on February 8, 1820, in Lancaster, Ohio. From an early age, he showed a strong interest in military life and attended West Point Military Academy at 16.
Sherman’s military career began with his service as a second lieutenant in the Mexican-American War. He distinguished himself as a courageous soldier and was promoted to captain by the war’s end.
However, it was during the American Civil War that Sherman truly made his mark on history. As a Union general in the Civil War, Sherman was known for his bold tactics and successful military campaigns.
He played a crucial role in some of the war’s most significant battles, including Bull Run, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Atlanta. His famous “March to the Sea” campaign through Georgia is still studied today as an example of a successful military strategy.
After the Civil War ended and his duties as general were over, Sherman continued to serve his country as part of various government positions, including Superintendent of West Point Military Academy. Despite some controversies over his leadership techniques during wartime, he retired from active duty, vastly respected by higher-ups for what he accomplished with limited resources.
Looking back now at William Tecumseh Sherman’s legacy, it’s easy to see how important he has been throughout American history, even if many people do not agree with all aspects of how he acted during wartime or sometimes even after it had ended. Nonetheless, it cannot be denied that his contributions have helped shape America into what it is today, militarily and politically.
The Controversial Figure of William Tecumseh Sherman
Sherman’s Tactics during the Civil War: A Necessary Evil?
William Tecumseh Sherman is known for his brutal tactics during the Civil War, particularly his march through Georgia and South Carolina. Some argue that his actions were necessary to bring about a quicker end to the war, while others view him as a war criminal. However, it is vital to understand the context in which he made these decisions.
The Union had been at war with the Confederacy for years with no clear end in sight. Sherman believed that targeting civilian infrastructure and resources could break the Confederate’s will to fight and bring about a quicker end to the war.
Criticisms and controversies surrounding his actions
Despite his intentions, Sherman’s tactics were criticized widely, even among Union soldiers and generals. Many saw his destruction of civilian property as unnecessarily cruel and barbaric. Even President Lincoln expressed concern about Sherman’s methods but ultimately gave him the autonomy to make strategic decisions as he saw fit.
Historical context and justifications for his decisions
While it is easy to judge Sherman’s actions through a modern lens, it is crucial to consider the historical context in which they occurred. At the time of the Civil War, warfare was often brutal, and civilians were not always spared from violence or destruction. Additionally, many argue that Sherman’s actions ultimately hastened an end to the war and saved countless lives by bringing about a swifter victory for Union forces.
While William Tecumseh Sherman remains a controversial figure in American history due to his brutal tactics during the Civil War, it is essential to consider both sides of this debate before passing judgment on his legacy. Ultimately, we should strive to understand historical figures within their unique contexts rather than simply applying modern-day moral standards.
The Personal Life of William Tecumseh Sherman
Family background and relationships
Sherman’s personal life was just as interesting as his military career. Born into a prominent family, he had close ties to political figures such as General William Henry Harrison and Senator Thomas Ewing. Despite his privileged upbringing, Sherman’s personal life was marked by tragedy.
His mother died when he was only nine, and his father died soon after. This resulted in Sherman being raised by various family members throughout his childhood.
As an adult, he married Ellen Ewing, one of Senator Ewing’s daughters. Their marriage was happy, with Ellen being a strong source of emotional support for her husband throughout his military career.
Personal struggles and challenges
Despite the support of his wife and family, Sherman faced significant personal struggles throughout his life. He suffered from depression and anxiety, exacerbated by the stress of wartime leadership. In addition to these struggles, he faced financial difficulties following the Civil War due to bad investments and failed business ventures.
Impact on his military career
Sherman’s personal struggles undoubtedly impacted both his personal life and military career. However, they also shaped him into the determined leader he became on the battlefield. His ability to persevere through difficult times allowed him to lead troops through some of the most challenging campaigns of the Civil War, such as the March to the Sea.
Overall, it is clear that William Tecumseh Sherman’s personal life greatly impacted him and those around him during his lifetime. It is important for readers to understand this aspect of Sherman’s life to fully appreciate his accomplishments and the challenges he faced toward success in both war and peacetime pursuits.
The Legacy of William Tecumseh Sherman in American History
William Tecumseh Sherman was a controversial figure during his time, but his impact on American history cannot be denied. His military strategy and tactics during the Civil War led to a decisive victory for the Union and changed the way wars were fought in the future. However, his legacy is not limited to his military achievements; he also significantly shaped America’s post-Civil War society.
The Impact of His Military Strategy on Future Wars
Sherman’s “total war” strategy was ruthless and effective. By targeting civilian infrastructure and property, he weakened the Confederacy’s ability to fight back and ultimately helped end the war.
However, this strategy also resulted in many civilian casualties and destruction of property. While it may have been justified during the Civil War, it set a dangerous precedent for future wars where civilians could become targets.
The Role He Played in Shaping America’s Post-Civil War Society
After the war, Sherman served as Commanding General of the Army from 1869 to 1883. He was instrumental in implementing policies shaping America’s post-Civil War society during this time.
He supported Reconstruction efforts to rebuild the South and ensure equal rights for African Americans. He also enforced federal laws that protected Native American land rights.
His Influence on Modern Military Tactics
Sherman’s military tactics were ahead of their time and continue to influence modern warfare today. His use of psychological warfare through destroying property and infrastructure has been replicated by armies worldwide. His emphasis on logistics, supply lines, and mobility over brute force influenced modern military thinking.
Overall, William Tecumseh Sherman significantly impacted American history through his military achievements and involvement in shaping post-Civil War society. While his tactics may have been controversial and even ruthless, they cannot be ignored as they continue to shape modern military thinking.
Conclusion
Summary of Key Points
John S.D. Eisenhower’s book, American General: The Life and Times of William Tecumseh Sherman, is an incredibly detailed and well-researched account of one of America’s most controversial military figures. The book thoroughly overviews Sherman’s life and legacy, including his role in the Civil War and his impact on America’s post-war society. One of the most significant takeaways from this book is that while Sherman was a brilliant strategist and leader, his tactics were often brutal and controversial.
Personal Thoughts
As someone who has always been interested in history, I found this book informative and engaging. Learning more about Sherman’s personal life and challenges throughout his career was fascinating. However, some will struggle with some of the moral implications of his actions during the Civil War if they have been in combat.
Recommendation
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about American history or military strategy. While it may not be an easy read for everyone due to its length and level of detail, it provides an essential perspective on one of America’s most important military leaders. This book is a must-read for those particularly interested in Civil War history or military tactics.
In closing, while certain aspects of William Tecumseh Sherman’s legacy are controversial or difficult to reconcile with modern values, it is undeniable that he played a crucial role in shaping America’s history as we know it today by reading books like American General: The Life and Times of William Tecumseh Sherman by John S.D. Eisenhower, we can better understand our country’s past, present, and future potential for growth and change.