What was important about Sherman's march to the sea?

Answer 1

Shermanâ??s March to the Sea is known for its brutality and effectiveness. By destroying the Southâ??s infrastructure, hitting both industry and military targets, Sherman effectively destroyed the Southâ??s ability to wage war. He used his concept of total war, which involved civilians in the consequences of war. By bringing the horrors of war to their doorsteps, he knew they would demand their government end the war.

Answer 2

It represented an entirely new kind of warfare - to ignore the enemy in the field, but to destroy civilian morale by burning farms and helping to starve the troops.

This was the opposite of what Grant had ordered, and Grant was initially sceptical about it. But Sherman carried high credibility with Grant, and was eventually given permission to go ahead.

There is no question that this largely bloodless campaign shortened the war by about six months.