The march combined deliberate destruction with a solution to an artillery problem. Sherman travelled without the siege guns whose weight would have slowed or stopped rapid movement across Georgia. Reaching the coast allowed Rear Admiral John Dahlgren's naval force to deliver those heavy weapons after the mobile phase was complete. Sherman could then combine an army already in position with artillery capable of threatening Savannah. Sea power let a land commander sequence mobility first and concentrated firepower second.
Notable Point · 2:40-3:25
Reaching the sea to obtain siege artillery
The march's naval payoff was access to the heavy guns Sherman could not bring across Georgia.