Population transfer

atlantis · Jan 24, 2026

Population transfer is a proven method for defeating a foe. So was any consideration given by US policymakers to simply remove the population out of territory claimed/controlled by confederates. Plenty of migrants coming into US for resettlement in southern states to secure control of land.

RedRover · Jan 28, 2026

atlantis said:
Population transfer is a proven method for defeating a foe. So was any consideration given by US policymakers to simply remove the population out of territory claimed/controlled by confederates. Plenty of migrants coming into US for resettlement in southern states to secure control of land.

From January, 1864 General Sherman explained to a subordinate charged with occupation duty in Northern Alabama, how he should explain to the locals their situation, as an insurgent population, during the course of the war... That should they not cease to aid and abet the Confederate forces or resistance generally, they should expect to lose all of their property, if not their lives, in favor of loyal settlers.

...

Nothing particularly new. In the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794-95, President Washington in September, 1794, proclaimed that any and all who aided, abetted, or comforted the insurgency in any way would do so at their "peril."

During the American Revolution, many counties or districts were subject to "insurrections" by Loyalists/Tories, whose property etc. was confiscated, and they sometimes driven off or worse.