To our modern-day view, it does not seem possible they could fail. Between them, Grant and Sherman commanded about 400,000 troops, and they were well supplied. But to the average observer of the war, which was in its fourth year, there was a good deal of doubt. Why should Grant succeed where so many others had failed? Might Sherman prove to be no more than a flash in the pan?

Their Confederate opponents were far from despair. Jefferson Davis had moments when he thought he could take no more, but he always rose and continued his work. Lee had pulled off his professional magic in the past; there seemed no reason he could not do so again. And Joseph Johnston, though he lacked significant victories, had never suffered a serious defeat. If any person could lure Sherman into an untenable situation, it was Joe Johnston.