Video: 'Sherman's March: A Civil War Turning Point | The Conquerors (S1, E8) | Full Episode' (Nov. 15, 1864, at 1:30)

(Tuesday, November 15, 1864; during American Civil War) — After destroying Atlanta’s warehouses and railroad facilities, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman began their “March to the Sea” today with the goal of crippling the region’s military and economic resources.

Sherman’s forces followed a “scorched earth” policy, destroying military targets as well as industry, infrastructure, and civilian property, disrupting the Confederacy’s economy and transportation networks.

Video: 'Ken.Burns.The.Civil.War.8of9.War.Is.All.Hell' (Nov. 15, 1864, at 7:22)

The operation debilitated the Confederacy and helped lead to its eventual surrender.

Sherman’s decision to operate deep within enemy territory without supply lines was unusual for its time, and the campaign is regarded by some historians as an early example of modern warfare or total war.

The campaign would end with the capture of Savannah on Dec. 21, 1864.