Question

general william t. shermans \march to the sea\ was important to the union war effort because
a it placed the mississippi river under union control.
b it convinced great britain to stop supporting the confederacy.
c important railroad tracks were destroyed, severing supply lines for confederate forces.
d robert e. lee was forced to surrender his forces as a direct result of shermans victory.

Explanation:

During Sherman's "March to the Sea" in 1864, his troops destroyed railroad tracks, bridges, and other infrastructure. This was a key part of the "total war" strategy. By destroying railroad tracks, the Confederacy's ability to move troops and supplies was severely hampered.

• Option A: The Union gained control of the Mississippi River mainly through the Siege of Vicksburg (1863), not Sherman's March.
• Option B: Great Britain's decision - making regarding the Confederacy was more influenced by factors like the Emancipation Proclamation and the Union's overall war progress rather than Sherman's March.
• Option D: Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House in 1865, which was influenced by a combination of factors including the overall Union military pressure, not directly by Sherman's "March to the Sea".

Answer:

C. Important railroad tracks were destroyed, severing supply lines for Confederate forces.