Sherman correctly realized that taking war to the civilians would shorten his campaign, devastate the economy for years to come, and put terror into the hearts of any who sought to leave the Union ever.

Hitler, Mao, and Stalin also recognized that a “civil” war aimed at destruction of non-military targets and terrorizing of civilian populations would bring their opponents to their knees and ensure long-term subjugation of the defeated populace. We do not overlook or praise their atrocities just because they “freed” the economically enslaved proletariat.