Fifth Grade
Worksheets
Sherman's Neckties
General William T. Sherman waged a long siege on the city of Atlanta, Georgia. From May to September 1864, a series of battles around Atlanta finally led to the city's capture by Northern troops. The capture of Atlanta gave the North hope that the war could soon be won. It also helped President Lincoln get re-elected. From Atlanta, General Sherman continued his "march to the sea" to later capture Savannah.
Sherman used a "scorched earth" policy in Georgia. The North believed that the South must be broken. Sherman burned everything in his path. His army burned crops and homes. They killed farm animals. They raided and looted Southern farms and homes, taking anything that was of use to them. They burned bridges, mills, and cotton gins. They destroyed railroads. The troops would rip up rails, heat them over a fire, and then twist them around trees. These were known as "Sherman's neckties."
