Podcasts > NPR's Book of the Day > 'General Sherman's Christmas' captures the war-time holiday in Savannah 150 years ago

'General Sherman's Christmas' captures the war-time holiday in Savannah 150 years ago

By NPR (podcasts@npr.org)

In this episode from NPR's Book of the Day, Sherman's March to the Sea and his capture of Savannah during the Civil War are explored. The summary delves into the strategic purpose behind Sherman's bold and destructive march across Georgia, aiming to weaken the Confederate war effort by severing supply lines and demoralizing Southern citizens with a display of Union might.

However, the episode examines how Sherman spared Savannah itself, allowing residents to celebrate Christmas in relative peace during the occupation. Despite his controversial legacy as a hero in the North and a villain in the South, the summary sheds light on Sherman's tactics of targeting infrastructure while minimizing harm to civilians. It paints a picture of how the festive season unfolded in the embattled city under Union control.

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'General Sherman's Christmas' captures the war-time holiday in Savannah 150 years ago

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 25, 2024 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day

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'General Sherman's Christmas' captures the war-time holiday in Savannah 150 years ago

1-Page Summary

Sherman's March to the Sea and Its Strategic Purpose

After capturing Atlanta, sources say Sherman realized the city lacked the resources and strategic value for his troops to remain. His bold strategy was to march over 300 miles to Savannah, aiming to sever the Confederacy and cut off Confederate forces in the South from those near Washington D.C., thus weakening the overall rebel war effort.

While not directly assaulting, the march demonstrated Union power to demoralize Georgians

Sherman targeted infrastructure crucial to the Confederate rebellion like mills and factories, conscious of logistical challenges. The march's psychological impact aimed to break Georgian morale by showing the Union's might and reach, leading Sherman to declare "he did make Georgia howl."

Sherman's treatment of Savannah and its residents

Sherman appreciated Savannah's beauty, sparing its famous mansions - not a single home was destroyed. He quartered at a British merchant's mansion, now marked with a plaque. Troops camped outside the city to minimize impact on residents and architecture.

Residents celebrated Christmas peacefully, with open churches and troops providing food

Churches remained open, contributing to a peaceful Christmas scene during wartime occupation. Troops provided food, even decorating delivery mules like reindeer in impoverished suburbs lacking supplies.

How Sherman and troops celebrated Christmas

Sherman's well-behaved troops paraded orderly through Savannah with little drunkenness during the festive holiday season. Sherman ensured residents could celebrate with food access and open churches as troops largely encamped outside the city.

Sherman's legacy - hero or villain?

In the North, Sherman was hailed as hastening the war's end through decisive actions, according to historians. But in the South, many reviled him as a villain, the Confederate press spreading tales of his supposed wanton destruction despite scholars saying he primarily targeted military infrastructure humanely. Sherman remains a polarizing symbol of the Union's harsh Confederacy treatment.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Sherman's march, while strategically effective, also resulted in significant suffering among the civilian population, which is often overshadowed by the focus on military objectives.
  • The sparing of Savannah's architecture does not negate the broader destruction and hardship caused by the march across Georgia.
  • The peaceful Christmas in Savannah might not fully represent the experiences of all residents, especially those who were displaced or suffered losses due to the march.
  • The notion that Sherman's troops were well-behaved could be contested by accounts of looting and destruction in other areas during the march.
  • While Sherman targeted military infrastructure, the broad application of his scorched earth policy had devastating effects on the Southern economy and civilian livelihoods, which could be considered inhumane.
  • The view of Sherman as a hero in the North is not universal, as some contemporary critics and modern historians may question the morality of his tactics.
  • The polarization of Sherman's legacy often overlooks the complexities of his actions and their impact, reducing a multifaceted historical event to a binary of heroism and villainy.

Actionables

  • Explore your local history by mapping a significant event that took place in your area, much like Sherman's march, to understand its impact on your community. Start by researching at your local library or historical society to find an event that shaped your town or city. Then, create a physical or digital map tracing the route or area affected by the event, noting key locations and their significance. This can give you a tangible connection to the history around you and a deeper appreciation for how past events have shaped the present.
  • Reflect on the concept of perspective by writing two narratives about a contentious historical event from opposing viewpoints. Choose an event from history that is often debated or has multiple interpretations. Write one narrative from one perspective, then write another from the opposing side, trying to understand the motivations and emotions behind each viewpoint. This exercise can help you grasp the complexity of historical events and the importance of considering multiple perspectives.
  • Foster a sense of community by organizing a local clean-up or beautification project in the spirit of minimizing impact on residents, similar to how Sherman's troops camped outside Savannah. Coordinate with your neighborhood association or local government to identify a public space that could use care, such as a park, street, or historical site. Gather volunteers through social media or community boards and spend a day cleaning, planting, or repairing the area. This can help build community ties and show respect for the shared environment and history.

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'General Sherman's Christmas' captures the war-time holiday in Savannah 150 years ago

Sherman's March to the Sea and Its Strategic Purpose

General William Tecumseh Sherman's march from Atlanta to the sea was a significant military campaign during the American Civil War. Sherman's decision for this unusual move was driven by the strategic dead-end he reached in Atlanta and the need to weaken Confederate forces.

Sherman's decision to march to the sea stemmed from the lack of resources and strategic value of remaining in Atlanta.

After capturing Atlanta, Sherman realized that remaining in the city was no longer tactically advantageous. "The town was destroyed. There was no place for his troops. There was no food. There was nothing," sources say. The city’s infrastructure had been largely compromised, making it impossible to support the continued presence of his troops.

Sherman’s bold strategy involved marching his army to Savannah, over 300 miles away, with the goal of severing the Confederacy in two. By doing so, he aimed to cut off the southern parts of the Confederacy from General Robert E. Lee's forces, which were stationed in Virginia near Washington, D.C., thus weakening the overall Confederate war effort.

While the march was not intended as a direct assault, it served to demonstrate the power of the Union Army and demoralize the people of Georgia.

Sherman’s march was not characterized by wanton destruction of civilian property. Instead, the Union Army targeted infrastructure crucial to the Confederate war effort, like "cotton mills, gins, warehouses, factories, anything that would support the Confederate rebellion." Sherman was conscious of the logistical challenges and did not want slaves to follow his army since it would increa ...

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Sherman's March to the Sea and Its Strategic Purpose

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Wanton destruction of civilian property in the context of warfare typically refers to the deliberate and indiscriminate targeting of civilian infrastructure, homes, and possessions without any strategic or military justification. It involves causing damage or harm to civilian property that is not necessary for achieving military objectives. This kind of destruction can lead to significant civilian casualties, displacement, and economic hardship, often as a form of psychological warfare to break the morale of the civilian population. In the case of Sherman's march to the sea, it is highlighted that the Union Army did not engage in wanton destruction but instead focused on targeting infrastructure vital to the Confederate war effort.
  • "And he did make Georgia howl" is a quote attributed to General William Tecumseh Sherman, referring to the impact of his march through Georgia during the American Civil War. It symbolizes the devastation and psychological impact inflicted on the people of Georgia as a result of Sherman's military campaign. The phrase highlights the effectiveness of Sherman's strategy in disrupting the Confederate war effort and demoralizing the civilian population. It underscores the significant role of psychological warfare in Sherman's ...

Counterarguments

  • While Sherman's march targeted infrastructure, there were reports of widespread destruction and looting, which affected civilians, challenging the idea that civilian property was not targeted.
  • The effectiveness of Sherman's march as psychological warfare can be debated, as some historians argue that it may have strengthened the resolve of some Confederates to continue fighting.
  • The claim that Sherman did not want slaves to follow his army could be contested by pointing out that many slaves saw the Union Army as liberators and followed them seeking freedom, regardless of Sherman's intentions.
  • The strategic value of remaining in Atlanta could be reassessed, considering that it was a major railroad hub and manufacturing center for the Confederacy, and its occupation by Union forces had significant implications.
  • The assertion that the march was not intended as a direct assault might be nuanced by acknowledging that any military campaign of such magnitude inevitably involves confrontations and skirmishes with enemy forces.
  • The degree to wh ...

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'General Sherman's Christmas' captures the war-time holiday in Savannah 150 years ago

Sherman's treatment of Savannah and its residents during the occupation

During the Civil War, General William Tecumseh Sherman's approach to occupying Savannah, Georgia, was notably temperate compared to his usual scorched-earth policy.

Sherman largely spared the city of Savannah, preserving its famous mansions and historic character.

Sherman appreciated the beauty and elegance of Savannah, as evident by the intact preservation of its famous mansions. Not a single one of the beautiful homes was destroyed. He chose a mansion owned by a British merchant named Green for his headquarters, a property which today bears a plaque commemorating its historical significance.

Sherman took over a mansion owned by a British merchant as his headquarters, which is now marked with a plaque.

Sherman's troops had clear instructions not to overwhelm the historically significant city. They largely camped outside the city limits to minimize the occupation's impact on the residents and the architectural landscape.

The residents of Savannah were able to celebrate Christmas relatively peacefully, with churches remaining open and the troops providing food to the surrounding areas.

The scene in Savannah was almost Christmas-like during the occupation. Churches remained open for worship, contributing to a semblance of peace during wartime, and peopl ...

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Sherman's treatment of Savannah and its residents during the occupation

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Counterarguments

  • While Sherman spared Savannah's famous mansions, this act could be seen as more strategic or diplomatic than benevolent, as the preservation may have been intended to curry favor with foreign powers or to maintain good public relations.
  • The choice of a British merchant's mansion for headquarters might have been a calculated political move to avoid international conflict or to protect the property of a neutral party.
  • Camping outside the city limits could be interpreted as a military strategy to maintain troop readiness and mobility rather than a gesture to protect the city's architecture and residents.
  • The fact that churches remained open during the occupation does not necessarily indicate a peaceful situation, as residents may have been attending services in search of comfort during a time of distress and occupation.
  • Providing food to su ...

Actionables

  • You can explore local history by visiting landmarks and reading plaques to better appreciate your city's heritage. By doing this, you'll connect with your community's past, much like how the podcast highlighted Sherman's preservation of Savannah. Take a walking tour of your downtown area, look for historical markers, and read about the significance of each site to deepen your understanding of local history.
  • Engage in community service by organizing a themed food drive that brings a sense of joy and occasion to the act of giving. Inspired by the troops dressing up mules as reindeer, you could create a seasonal event where volunteers dress in costumes relevant to the time of year to distribute donations. For example, during the winter holidays, volunteers could wear festive attire while collecting and delivering food to local shelters.
  • Foster community spirit by starting a 'neighborhood preservation initiative' that aims to maintain the character of your are ...

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'General Sherman's Christmas' captures the war-time holiday in Savannah 150 years ago

How Sherman and his troops celebrated Christmas in Savannah

During the Civil War, General William Tecumseh Sherman's capture of Savannah, Georgia, was marked by a unique celebration of Christmas by his Union troops.

The Union troops in Savannah were well-behaved during the Christmas holiday, with little drunkenness or disorder.

Sherman's troops exhibited disciplined behavior during the Christmas season. They paraded through the city, demonstrating a celebratory yet orderly spirit. The holiday atmosphere prevailed as the soldiers maintained a calm presence, ensuring that the city had a peaceful and "Christmas-like" experience even during the occupation.

Sherman and his generals made efforts to ensure the people of Savannah could celebrate the holiday with food and access to their churches.

Despite the circumstances of the war, Sherman and his generals took measures to not overburden the city. The ...

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How Sherman and his troops celebrated Christmas in Savannah

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Counterarguments

  • While the Union troops may have been well-behaved, the presence of an occupying army could still have been intimidating for the citizens of Savannah, potentially dampening the holiday spirit.
  • Parading through the city, even in a disciplined manner, might have been seen as a show of power and a reminder of the city's defeat rather than a purely celebratory act.
  • The peaceful and festive atmosphere might have been more reflective of the Union soldiers' experiences rather than the local population, who may have had mixed feelings about the occupation.
  • The efforts by Sherman and his generals to facilitate Christmas celebrations could be viewed as a strategic move to maintain order and cooperation among the citizens rather than purely altruistic gestures.
  • The encampment of troops outside the city does not necessarily mean the city was not overburdened, as the local economy and resources could still have been strained by the presence of the army.
  • The opening of churches for religious observances might have been complicated by the broader context of war and occupa ...

Actionables

  • You can foster community spirit by organizing a neighborhood clean-up during local festivities, ensuring a peaceful and celebratory environment similar to the one described. By coordinating with local authorities and residents, you can create a volunteer schedule that aligns with community events, promoting orderliness and pride in your area while celebrating.
  • Create a personal tradition of delivering homemade treats to essential workers in your town during the holidays to spread cheer and gratitude. By baking cookies or preparing small gift baskets, you can acknowledge the hard work of those who ensure your community's safety and well-being, much like the distribution of food and supplies mentioned.
  • Encourage inclusivity by inviting neighbors from diverse back ...

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'General Sherman's Christmas' captures the war-time holiday in Savannah 150 years ago

The legacy and perception of Sherman, both positive and negative

The history of Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman reflects a dichotomy in perception that is split sharply along regional lines, with people in the North hailing him as a hero and many in the South reviling him as a villain.

In the North, Sherman was viewed as a hero who hastened the end of the Civil War through his decisive military actions.

While no direct quote in the provided transcript reflects the North's view of Sherman as a hero, it is a well-documented historical perspective. Sherman's march to the sea is often credited with significantly weakening the Confederacy, helping to pave the way for the Union's ultimate victory. His aggressive tactics and ability to demoralize the Southern fighting spirit through his deep movements into enemy territory are lauded by many historians and military scholars as a turning point in the war.

In the South, however, Sherman was often perceived as a villain and even a war criminal for the destruction caused by his march.

Many Southerners have long considered Sherman as something of a war criminal due to the vast swath of destruction left behind by his march. The Confederate press played a significant role in spreading tales of Sherman's supposed ruthlessness, often accusing him of burning homes and villages wantonly. Yet, according to mil ...

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The legacy and perception of Sherman, both positive and negative

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • Sherman's tactics, while militarily effective, could be criticized for their impact on civilians, as the line between military and civilian targets can be blurred in total war.
  • The view of Sherman as a hero in the North may not be universal, with some Northern contemporaries and historians possibly criticizing his tactics as overly harsh or unnecessary.
  • The effectiveness of Sherman's march in weakening the Confederacy could be debated, with some arguing that other factors were more decisive in the Union's victory.
  • The praise from historians for Sherman's tactics might be contested by those who argue that his actions set a precedent for harsh conduct in future conflicts.
  • The perception of Sherman as a villain in the South might be nuanced, with some Southerners potentially recognizing his military prowess or the strategic necessity of his actions.
  • The Confederate press's portrayal of Sherman could be seen as propaganda, and some might argue that it exaggerated or misrepresented his actions.
  • The claim that Sherman primarily targeted military infrastructure coul ...

Actionables

  • You can explore the impact of perspective on historical events by writing a short story from two different viewpoints. Start by choosing a significant event in history, similar to Sherman's March, and write one version from the perspective of those who viewed the event positively and another from the perspective of those who suffered because of it. This exercise will help you understand how the same facts can be interpreted differently depending on one's allegiances or background.
  • Enhance your critical thinking by analyzing current events as if you were a journalist from opposing sides. Pick a current news story and write two brief reports: one that presents the story in a positive light and another that highlights the negative aspects. This will train you to see beyond your biases and recognize the multifaceted nature of modern issues, much like the differing views on Sherman's actions.
  • Develop empathy by e ...

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