This thesis is an attempt to trace this evolution which led Sherman to be designated as the first modern general.

The thesis examines the figure of the american general William Tecumseh Sherman and his activities during the American Civil War in modern historiography. In addition, the main focus is on evaluating his military campaign in Georgia, North, and South Carolina in the years 1864-1865. Nevertheless, the emphasis is on General Sherman by the different perceptions of individual American historians. This thesis aims to evaluate the development of their perspective or to reveal their tendency and subjectivity. This work tries to present individuals perspectives on Sherman՚s campaign, which is to create an objective picture on his campaigns. Therefore, historian՚s various ideas about the campaign՚s issues, such as total and destructive war, repression or violence against the civilians, looting, and robberies, are investigated. Not only the view of historians is examined, but also the southern narrative, the perception of general contemporaries and individual participants in the march, such as escaped slaves and, last but not least, Sherman himself. Key Words: The United States of America, American Civil War, William Tecumseh Sherman, Historiography, March to the Sea, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina