[lentulusgracchus]

This is not what Lee would have done, and he is the model for modern warfare, not Sherman. Sherman's way is the way of barbarian hordes, THAT is the old way.

It is also worth noting that generals with names like von Kleist, von Manstein, von Leeb, von Paulus, and von Runstedt waged war Sherman's way in Russia, and the result was the most bitter war in human history, exceeding even the wars against the Mongols in its savagery. Russian veterans forbade German eleemosynary organizations the privilege even of collecting for burial the 50-year-old remains of German dead at Stalingrad, who were left lying where they fell by the Russians.

That's war, Billy Sherman's way.

Note also that, by distinct contrast, the U.S. military did not follow Sherman's prescription in either the Gulf War or the Iraq War, of destroying things just to destroy them, in order to deny "comfort to the enemy" or just to "make Georgia howl."

[TommyUdo]

"It is also worth noting that generals with names like von Kleist, von Manstein, von Leeb, von Paulus, and von Runstedt waged war Sherman's way in Russia, and the result was the most bitter war in human history, exceeding even the wars against the Mongols in its savagery. Russian veterans forbade German eleemosynary organizations the privilege even of collecting for burial the 50-year-old remains of German dead at Stalingrad, who were left lying where they fell by the Russians."

Yes, I suppose it could be argued that the example you've given was the last conflict (Does the Cold War count?) that resulted in a decisive victory. The first Iraq war is as you note (I think) a stunning example of not finishing the job.

I don't think enough credit is given Sherman for his avoidance of conflict. He purposely avoided contact with the enemy, even when the numbers were on his side.