General Sherman offered this solution to his superiors.
1. He would take no provisions. He would live off the land.
2. He would only take the ammunitions he needed.
3. He would fight confederate soldiers, and anyone who took up arms against him.
4. He would take possession of any farm animals and provisions from the enemy he conquered.
5. He would burn down everything he did not want.
6. He would destroy the railroad.
7. He would wrap railroad ties around trees.
In other words, he killed everybody, stole everything and then burned it all to the ground. Many people thought that General Sherman was crazy. They even told him that they did not believe he was going to make it. When you look back at it, it was a brilliant plan. The spoils of war kept the cost low, and the damage he left behind made you think before fighting him. He was not one to wait until you saw him coming to wave your flag. He was one you sent a message to with your white flag in it. Once he was engaged, he did not stop until all your pigs were in a wagon, all your belongings were in a flaming heap and all your sons were six feet under.
Total warfare is about follow through. Once you are engaged, you must follow through. You can’t back up and look like you are changing your mind. When you are fighting a strong enemy, hesitation can signal a chance to defeat you.
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