The March to the Sea. (December, 1864.)
This narrative recounts a pivotal moment in American history when Union forces led by General William Tecumseh Sherman marched through the Confederate heartland, destroying infrastructure and resources along the way. The march began on November 15th, 1864, and lasted for several weeks, with Sherman's army moving through Georgia and the Carolinas. The goal was to weaken the Confederacy's ability to wage war by targeting their supply lines, railroads, and industrial centers. As the Union forces advanced, they encountered fierce resistance from Confederate troops, but ultimately succeeded in reaching the city of Savannah, which they captured on December 21st, 1864. The march marked a significant turning point in the war, as it demonstrated the Union's military might and weakened the Confederacy's ability to resist. The narrative explores themes of destruction, chaos, and the human cost of war, as well as the complexities of leadership and the moral implications of Sherman's tactics.
By Herman Melville · First published 1865 · Genre: Historical Poetry, War Poetry, Narrative Poetry · 839 words
First lines
Not Kenesaw high-arching, Nor Allatoona's glen -- Though there the graves lie parching -- Stayed Sherman's miles of men; From charred Atlanta marching They launched the sword again. The columns streamed like rivers Which in their course agree, And they streamed until their flashing Met the flashing of the sea: It was glorious glad marching, That marching to the sea.
What this Textopian page supports
The March to the Sea. (December, 1864.) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Herman Melville, dated 1865 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Herman Melville
- Date: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Poetry, War Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Epic Poetry, American Literature
- Length: 839 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The March to the Sea. (December, 1864.) by Herman Melville
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The March to the Sea. (December, 1864.)?
- How does this poem by Herman Melville fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Battle For The Mississipppi April 1862 by Herman Melville
- The Frenzy In The Wake Shermans Advance Through The Carolinas February 1865 by Herman Melville
- The Muster Suggested By The Two Days Review At Washington May 1865 by Herman Melville
- Sheridan At Cedar Creek October 1864 by Herman Melville
- Donelson February 1862 by Herman Melville
- Lyon Battle Of Springfield Missouri August 1861 by Herman Melville
Genres
- Historical Poetry — The work is a poem that reflects on a specific historical event, Sherman's March to the Sea during the American Civil War.
- War Poetry — The poem focuses on military themes, describing the movement and actions of troops during a significant military campaign.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story of the march, detailing the journey and experiences of the soldiers.
- Epic Poetry — The poem has a grand and sweeping style, celebrating the large-scale movement and impact of the march.
Tags
Historical Fiction · American Civil War · Military Campaign · Southern United States · Georgia · Sherman's March · War Literature · Realistic Fiction · Historical Nonfiction · Battlefield Tactics · Union Army · Confederate States