Craig,

You and I never agree, but this one time I believe you have thrown me a curve ball. I believe you analysis of the strategies is absolutely correct. In fact I will say it is one of the better analysis I have read. I have copied your post to my notes.

Now before everyone jumps on my back, I fully understand war crimes, rape, murder etc etc. and I am not saying it is ok for any army to practice these atrocities, but Craig has a point, the population has to be controlled in order to win. It is how that control is gained and maintained that makes the difference. That is where I disagree with the Union tactics.

GP
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“First, let us analyze the basic objectives for Lee as a commanding general of a large Confederate army. The overall objective, of course, was to secure Confederate independence."

“Strategically, the Union had to carry out an offensive war. Union armies had to obviously destroy Confederate armies, which remained in the Southern states on the defensive. But an offensive strategy was also necessary to reassert federal authority by removing rebel governments and reestablishing a US presence. Time, overall, was not on the Union's side, and thus an aggressive offense was needed”.