Ep 2. Sherman and the March to the Sea

Civil War Journal is an Emmy-winning documentary series that explores the various historical events, battles, and people that shaped the American Civil War. In the second season's second episode, entitled "Sherman and the March to the Sea," viewers will get a closer look at one of the most significant and controversial strategies employed in the conflict.

Leading Union general William Tecumseh Sherman is the focus of the episode, as it chronicles his famous "March to the Sea" campaign in 1864. The campaign involved Sherman's forces setting off from Atlanta with the goal of capturing Savannah, Georgia, and effectively cutting off the Confederate states of the South from one another.

The episode begins with a brief overview of Sherman's background and early military career. From there, it dives into the plan that he and his superior, General Ulysses S. Grant, concocted for the March to the Sea. This involved Sherman making a striking move across Georgia, cutting off supply lines and causing destruction every step of the way.

The episode makes great use of expert interviews and historical accounts to paint a vivid picture of the March to the Sea. We hear from historians, authors, and other experts who detail the enormous scale of the operation, the challenges faced by Sherman's army, and the impact the campaign had on the Confederacy as a whole.

One particularly poignant aspect of the episode is the attention given to the civilian population caught up in the March to the Sea. We hear from descendants of those who were impacted by the campaign, including former slaves, who reveal the devastating impact the march had on their communities.

Throughout the episode, we see a great deal of archival footage and photographs that bring the story to life. Shots of battlefields, landscapes, and other key locations help to accentuate the scale of the events being described. At times, this footage can be harrowing, as we witness firsthand the destructive power that Sherman's army wielded.

However, the episode is careful not to glorify or sanitize the March to the Sea. Across multiple segments, we hear from historians and experts who detail the human cost of the campaign, including the suffering and hardship faced by both Union and Confederate soldiers alike. This thoughtful approach helps to convey the complexity of the subject matter, avoiding easy judgment or condemnation.

Overall, "Sherman and the March to the Sea" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode of Civil War Journal. It offers a rich, detailed portrait of one of the most important and divisive moments in American history. Whether you're a Civil War buff or simply interested in exploring the intricacies of this pivotal event, this episode is well worth watching.