After securing Atlanta, Sherman proposes a plan to Grant. Sherman feels that at this point, it is useless to occupy Atlanta. With Grant's approval, he will take his 60,000 man Army and step out across Georgia to Savannah. Sherman want to "utterly" destroy Georgia's roads, bridges, houses, with the intent of crippling the southern economy and devastating their ability to wage war. A march to the sea.
The plan does have glaring weaknesses and is not without risking Sherman's 60,000 man strong army. He will be without a supply line, communication, a line of retreat or reinforcements. Both General Grant and President Lincoln are nervous, but agree to the plan nonetheless as they both agree that if successful, it will be a punishing blow to the Confederacy. Success will bring the war closer to an end and will eventually save thousands of soldiers lives on both sides.
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