William Sherman (February 8, 1820 – February 14, 1891) was a U.S. Civil War Union Army leader known for Sherman's March in which he and his troops laid waste to the South (Atlanta, Georgia especially). He is considered a major architect of modern total war; and, he is credited with the saying that "War is hell." Specifically, Sherman's quote comes from an address he made at a graduation ceremony for the Michigan Military Academy.

Sherman told the military graduates, “I’ve been where you are now and I know just how you feel. It’s entirely natural that there should beat in the breast of every one of you a hope and desire that some day you can use the skill you have acquired here. Suppress it! You don’t know the horrible aspects of war. I’ve been through two wars and I know. I’ve seen cities and homes in ashes. I’ve seen thousands of men lying on the ground, their dead faces looking up at the skies. I tell you, War is Hell!”

Though vilified in the Southern part of America as a demon who perpetuated atrocities on civilians, historians give Sherman high marks as a military strategist and quick witted tactician. He changed the nature of war and recognized it for what it was: "War is hell."

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