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Originally Posted by Martin
You learn something new every day! I thought the animosity was actually (90%) humoring, with some play on current political divergence. 
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I need to read up more on this... some day. |
It is interesting to note that other than Sherman's march from Atlanta to the sea and then up through the Carolinas and the Shennandoah Valley Campaigns by both sides the majority of land mass of the south was untouched by the War. The land and people were hit hard due to shortages of material and manpower but the average southerner did not see a Yankee.
It was under reconstruction that the average Southerner saw the "Yankee Government" for the first time. And the "animosity" has become something of a cultural icon.
But look to the Missouri/Kansas area of the war. That areas saw much more conflict at the local level. Much more "bad blood" between sides and some real hate. Real nasty stuff, and yet you do not find the level of animosity today that you will in GA, AL, SC and NC.
Again the above is a simple version of facts.
Sherman's Army covered a 60 mile +/- front in two general wings as it advanced with foragers stealing everything they could lay hands on for miles around in every direction. Animals were colllected from farms and towns then slaughtered just so Southern forces could not use them.
The War between the States was very different based on location, which side you were on and what year and season it was. If you notice the guys here are staying real general in the replies. People who throw out one "fact" and say "This is the way it was" are generally pushing an agenda.
Pete
Edited for a few facts - On Feb 1, 1865 Gen Sherman had reduced his ranks to 60,079 officers and men. For the march to the Sea he reduced his baggage train to 2,500 wagons pulled by six mules each, 600 ambulances with two horses each and 68 field pieces with eight horses each. He departed with "an ample supply of ammunition for a great battle" but only 7 days forage, 20 days hard bread, coffee, sugar and salt plus some beef cows. Each wing stretched for 10 miles on good roads so whenever possible each of the four Corps marched by it's own route. Kilpatrick's Cavalry was used to screen the main columns. All in all it was a great undertaking.