There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but, boys, it is all hell

There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but, boys, it is all hell

William Tecumseh Sherman, a Union general during the American Civil War, is often credited with the famous quote, “There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but, boys, it is all hell.” This quote perfectly encapsulates Sherman’s views on the brutal reality of war and the devastating impact it has on both soldiers and civilians.

Sherman was known for his ruthless tactics and scorched earth policy, particularly during his infamous March to the Sea campaign in 1864. He believed in total war, where the enemy’s infrastructure and resources were targeted in order to break their will to fight. This approach was controversial at the time, but Sherman believed that it was necessary to bring a swift end to the war and save lives in the long run.

Sherman’s experiences in the Civil War undoubtedly shaped his perspective on the true nature of war. He witnessed firsthand the horrors of battle, the suffering of wounded soldiers, and the destruction of entire communities. He understood that war was not a glorious adventure, but a brutal and unforgiving reality that exacted a heavy toll on all involved.

Sherman’s quote serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of war, especially for those who romanticize or glorify it. War is not a noble pursuit, but a brutal and destructive force that leaves a trail of devastation in its wake. The young boys who eagerly join the military in search of glory and adventure quickly learn the harsh truth that war is indeed “all hell.”