Final answer:
Sherman's total war strategy had tremendous success against the South by weakening the economy and infrastructure, destroying morale, capturing key cities, and forcing the Confederate army to divert resources and troops. The correct answer is E) All of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sherman’s total war strategy was designed to hasten the end of the Civil War by demoralizing the Confederacy and destroying its ability to sustain the war effort.
The key successes of this strategy against the South included:
- Weakening the Southern economy and infrastructure through the destruction of crops, livestock, railroads, and other resources vital to the Confederate war effort.
- Destroying Confederate morale by showcasing the strength of the Union forces and making the war's effects felt deeply within Confederate territory.
- Capturing key cities and territories, such as Atlanta and Savannah, which were crucial for supply and communication within the Confederacy.
- Forcing the Confederate army to divert resources and troops to defend against Sherman's advances, thereby reducing their capacity to wage war elsewhere.
Therefore, the answer to the original question is E) All of the above, as Sherman's total war strategy had multiple impacts on the South that contributed to the Union's victory.