Final answer:
Option (b) 'It would motivate the southern citizens to support the North' would not be true following Sherman's March to the Sea, as the destruction caused by the Union army would likely demoralize Southern citizens, rather than encouraging them to support the North.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to General Sherman's March to the Sea during the American Civil War and its effects on the Confederacy. If Sherman's army was able to destroy everything in its path, then option (b) 'It would motivate the southern citizens to support the North' would not be true. The extensive destruction would likely have the opposite effect, demoralizing the Southern population and reducing their will to continue fighting.
Navigating through the war-torn South, Sherman's campaign aimed to dispense with the Confederate resistance and demoralize their will to fight. This strategy involved targeting not just military installations, but also civilian resources, indicating a shift toward total war. The effects included shortages of supplies for both civilians and enemy soldiers, as well as a demonstration that the Confederate government was incapable of defending its citizens. These actions were unlikely to garner support for the Union cause among Southern citizens and would result in further hostility and division.