Total War and Siege Justified?

I don't think that Total War and Siege was justified because it affected all the civilians. I don't think that the civilians should have been affected because they were starving too. I don't think that using siege and total war is necessary. I think that they could have used a different tactic, so the civilians weren't affected. The civilians also starved. Everyone is human and has feelings. I thought that the Union could have used a different tactic instead.