Atlanta Campaign

Definition

The Atlanta Campaign was a series of military operations during the American Civil War that took place from May to September 1864, aimed at capturing the city of Atlanta, Georgia, a vital transportation and supply hub for the Confederacy. This campaign was led by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman and played a crucial role in the broader strategy of total war against the South, ultimately contributing to Union victories and the eventual downfall of the Confederacy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Atlanta Campaign began on May 6, 1864, and involved several major battles including those at Dalton, Resaca, Kennesaw Mountain, and Peachtree Creek.
2. The capture of Atlanta on September 2, 1864, was a significant boost for Northern morale and helped secure President Abraham Lincoln's re-election later that year.
3. Sherman employed tactics of flanking maneuvers and aggressive engagements against Confederate forces under General John Bell Hood throughout the campaign.
4. The campaign resulted in heavy casualties for both sides, with Union forces suffering over 31,000 casualties compared to approximately 37,000 for the Confederacy.
5. Following the successful capture of Atlanta, Sherman initiated his infamous 'March to the Sea,' which further devastated Georgia and demonstrated the Union's strategy of total war.

Review Questions

• How did Sherman's tactics during the Atlanta Campaign exemplify the principles of total war?
  • Sherman's tactics during the Atlanta Campaign illustrated total war by targeting not only Confederate armies but also their supply lines and civilian infrastructure. By destroying railroads, factories, and other resources essential for the South's war effort, Sherman aimed to demoralize both soldiers and civilians. This approach sought to hasten the end of the conflict by breaking the will of the Southern population to continue fighting.
• Discuss the strategic importance of Atlanta in the context of the Civil War and how its capture affected Northern morale.
  • Atlanta was a crucial transportation hub for the Confederacy, serving as a supply center for troops and a key point for railroads connecting different parts of the South. Its capture by Union forces not only disrupted Confederate supply lines but also provided a significant psychological boost for the North. The successful takeover of Atlanta reinvigorated Union supporters and was seen as a turning point in the war, directly influencing public opinion in favor of Lincoln’s administration as it bolstered hopes for a swift end to the conflict.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Atlanta Campaign influenced subsequent military strategies and political decisions during the remainder of the Civil War.
  • The outcomes of the Atlanta Campaign had far-reaching implications for both military strategies and political decisions throughout the rest of the Civil War. The successful capture of Atlanta solidified Sherman's reputation as a key military leader and paved the way for his March to the Sea, which aimed to further cripple Confederate resistance. Politically, it provided crucial momentum for Lincoln's re-election in 1864 by demonstrating tangible progress in defeating the Confederacy. Moreover, Sherman's approach to warfare set a precedent for future military operations that emphasized total war as a viable strategy for ensuring victory.

Related terms

Sherman's March to the Sea: A military campaign led by General Sherman following the capture of Atlanta, where his troops marched from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia, destroying military targets, infrastructure, and civilian property to undermine the Confederacy's war effort.

Siege of Atlanta: A critical phase during the Atlanta Campaign where Union forces encircled and besieged the city, leading to significant destruction and forcing Confederate General John Bell Hood to evacuate.

Total War: A military strategy that involves not only defeating enemy forces but also targeting civilian infrastructure and resources to diminish the enemy's capacity and will to fight.