Sherman's Army and Freed Slaves in Savannah

Sherman's army, during its campaign known as the March to the Sea, advanced from Atlanta towards Savannah, Georgia, with the intent of crippling the Confederate war effort. This military strategy involved destroying infrastructure and resources that could support the enemy, resulting in significant devastation to approximately 20 percent of the farms in Georgia. The march was characterized by a lack of major battles, as the army moved with a clear objective to reach the Atlantic coast. Upon reaching Savannah, Sherman's forces were accompanied by thousands of freed slaves who had followed the army, seeking refuge and a new beginning after escaping the bonds of slavery. This movement of freed individuals highlighted the broader implications of the march, as it not only aimed to weaken the Confederacy but also provided an opportunity for those seeking freedom to join the Union forces. The presence of these freed slaves in Savannah marked a pivotal moment in the social landscape of the region, as they began to establish their own communities and assert their rights in a post-slavery society. The convergence of Sherman's army and the freed slaves in Savannah underscored the intertwining of military strategy and the quest for freedom, significantly impacting the course of the Civil War and the future of the South.