the Native Americans would at times be 'Total War.' This however, was not how the American Civil War was conducted-except by guerrilla's/irregulars, who were executed when caught. The sack of a city was an element of 'Total War.' Certainly, the pre and post ACW campaigns in the American West vs.

When I hear 'Total War,' I have images of indiscriminant, or at least wholesale slaughter of civilians and defenders, as well as condoned rape and atrocities versus individuals. I'll admit I'm not as well versed in Napoleonic traditions as I would like, however I can find instances where there is not that much difference. In political discussions I've noted many who seem to be Napoleonic European military history buffs have thrown the ACW 'Total War' theme out as a way of condemning the U.S. Recently I came across a book about the Vicksburg campaign that used the term 'Hard War.' I believe this is a better description and would be interested in some discussion about it. One of these is 'Total War' as attributed to Sherman and Sheridan. Topic: I've been reading more about some aspects of the American Civil War that I had not explored as deeply before. Preface: I'm hoping to keep this a Monastery topic.so let's not get into a nationalistic flame fest that discussions of war types can easily degenerate to.