Atlanta Campaign

Definition

The Atlanta Campaign was a series of military operations conducted during the American Civil War from May to September 1864, aimed at capturing the city of Atlanta, Georgia. This campaign was crucial not only for its strategic significance in cutting off supply lines for the Confederacy but also for its impact on Northern morale and the upcoming election, as it showcased Union military success under General William Tecumseh Sherman.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Atlanta Campaign began in May 1864 when Union forces under General Sherman engaged Confederate troops led by General Joseph E. Johnston.
2. The campaign involved multiple battles and skirmishes, including notable fights at Kennesaw Mountain and Peachtree Creek, which tested Sherman's strategies.
3. Atlanta was a key industrial and railroad hub for the Confederacy, making its capture vital for disrupting Southern supply lines and troop movements.
4. Sherman's successful capture of Atlanta on September 2, 1864, significantly boosted Northern morale and influenced public opinion in favor of the Union cause ahead of the election.
5. The fall of Atlanta played a pivotal role in President Abraham Lincoln's reelection campaign, as it symbolized Union progress and military effectiveness during a challenging time.

Review Questions

• How did the Atlanta Campaign influence military strategies employed by Union forces under General Sherman?
  • The Atlanta Campaign forced Union forces to adapt their military strategies to deal with entrenched Confederate defenses and challenging terrain. Sherman employed tactics such as flanking maneuvers and direct assaults to break through Johnston's lines. The campaign also laid the groundwork for Sherman's later total war strategy, which would emphasize destruction of resources to diminish Confederate morale and capacity to fight.
• What was the significance of capturing Atlanta for both the Union and the Confederacy during the Civil War?
  • Capturing Atlanta was significant for the Union because it disrupted vital supply lines and bolstered Northern morale at a critical time in the war. For the Confederacy, losing Atlanta meant a major blow to their war effort, as it was a key transportation hub and industrial center. The defeat not only weakened their logistical capabilities but also fueled Northern confidence leading into the 1864 election, which became increasingly important for maintaining support for continued military efforts.
• Evaluate how the outcome of the Atlanta Campaign affected public perception and political dynamics in the North during the 1864 election.
  • The outcome of the Atlanta Campaign had a profound effect on public perception in the North, shifting views toward greater support for President Lincoln and his administration's efforts in the war. The successful capture of Atlanta provided a much-needed victory that countered earlier frustrations with military setbacks. This shift in sentiment helped secure Lincoln's reelection, as voters were more inclined to support a candidate they believed could bring an end to the war through military success rather than negotiate peace with an emboldened Confederacy.

Related terms

Sherman's March to the Sea: A military campaign led by General Sherman following the Atlanta Campaign, where Union forces marched from Atlanta to Savannah, destroying infrastructure and civilian property to undermine the Confederate war effort.

Confederate States of America: A group of southern states that seceded from the United States in 1861, forming their own government and fighting against the Union during the Civil War.

General William Tecumseh Sherman: A Union general known for his bold tactics and total war strategy, particularly his leadership during the Atlanta Campaign and subsequent march to the sea.