The tech of the civil war was similiar to that of WWI which made defensive war more effective than offensive war its more effective to destroy enemy supplies than to charge their trenches. The higher losses incurred by the North were not due to the lack of fighting ability of the average Union soldier compared to the Southern one but due to the weakness of offensive war vs defensive during that time. When the South went on the offensive like at Gettysburg it got mauled too.
The Civil War was really the first modern war, in the sense that it involved large armies travelling engaging in protracted campaigns over vast distances, with tremendous logistical requirements.
Sherman's success was rooted in his recognition that if you can wreck the logistical tail, you can defeat the army it serves.
This is such an obvious thing now -- it's the very first thing we do in any war we fight. But Sherman did it first, and thoroughly.
I hate no one, not even Lincoln or Sherman. But I cannot admire men that waged war on civilians. On 4 Jul 1875, after accepting an invitation to speak with them, Forrest spoke favorably to the "Jubilee of Pole Bearers", a political/social organization comprised of Black Southerners. His speech was reported in the papers, and reprinted in Black Southerners in Gray, (Richard Rollins ed.):
Miss Lewis, ladies and gentlemen - I accept these flowers as a token of reconciliation between the white and colored races of the South. I accept them more particularly, since they come from a lady, for if there is any one on God’s great earth who loves the ladies, it is myself. This is a proud day for me. Having occupied the position I have for thirteen years, and being misunderstood by the colored race, I take this occasion to say that I am your friend. I am here as the representative of the Southern people - one that has been more maligned than any other. I assure you that every man who was in the Confederate army is your friend. We were born on same soil, breathe the same air, live in the same land, and why should we not be brothers and sisters.When the war broke out I believed it to be my duty to fight for my country, and I did so. I came here with the jeers and sneers of a few white people, who did not think it right. I think it is right, and will do all I can to bring about harmony, peace and unity. I want to elevate every man, and to see you take your places in your shops, stores and but I want you to do as I do - go to the polls and select the best men to vote for. I feel that you are free men, I am a free man, and we can do as we please. I came here as a friend and whenever I can serve any of you I will do so. I came here as a friend and whenever I can serve any of you I will do so. We have one Union, one flag, one country; therefore, let us stand together. Although we differ in color, we should not differ in sentiment. Many things have been said in regard to myself, and many reports circulated, which may perhaps be believed by some of you, but there are many around me who can contradict them. I have been many times in the heat of battle - oftener, perhaps, than any within the sound of my voice. Men have come to me to ask for quarter, both black and white, and I have shielded them. Do your duty as citizens, and if any are oppressed, I will be your friend. I thank you for the flowers, and assure you that I am with you in heart and hand.