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 strategic city of Atlanta, Georgia. This campaign was crucial as it significantly impacted the war efforts for both the Union and Confederate armies, marking a turning point in the conflict and demonstrating the intensity of political and military tensions during that era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Atlanta Campaign involved several significant battles, including the Battle of Peachtree Creek and the Battle of Atlanta, showcasing intense fighting between Union and Confederate forces.
2. General Sherman’s tactics during this campaign focused on disrupting supply lines and destroying infrastructure to weaken Confederate resistance.
3. The fall of Atlanta was a significant morale booster for the Union and helped President Abraham Lincoln secure reelection in 1864.
4. The campaign resulted in heavy casualties on both sides but ultimately demonstrated the effectiveness of Sherman’s strategies of maneuver and attrition.
5. After capturing Atlanta, Sherman's forces proceeded on their infamous March to the Sea, which further devastated Southern resources and morale.

Review Questions

• What strategies did Union General William Tecumseh Sherman employ during the Atlanta Campaign, and how did they affect the outcome?
  • Sherman employed a strategy of total war, aiming to not only defeat Confederate forces but also to destroy their infrastructure and resources. This included disrupting supply lines, targeting railroads, and conducting destructive raids on towns. Sherman's tactics led to significant Union victories, including the capture of Atlanta, which marked a turning point in the Civil War by demonstrating the Union's ability to conduct a coordinated offensive against key Confederate strongholds.
• How did the Atlanta Campaign influence public perception and political outcomes in the North during the Civil War?
  • The success of the Atlanta Campaign had a profound impact on public perception in the North, as it boosted morale and demonstrated tangible progress in the war effort. The capture of Atlanta not only reassured citizens about their military leadership but also helped solidify support for President Lincoln's administration. The campaign’s outcome played a crucial role in Lincoln's reelection bid in November 1864, as voters were more inclined to support leadership that showed victory over the Confederacy.
• Evaluate the significance of the Atlanta Campaign within the broader context of military strategies employed during the Civil War.
  • The Atlanta Campaign exemplified a shift in military strategies used during the Civil War, where commanders like Sherman adopted aggressive tactics aimed at total warfare rather than traditional battlefield confrontations. This approach not only sought to defeat enemy troops but also aimed to break civilian morale by destroying resources vital to sustaining Confederate armies. The successful execution of these strategies during the Atlanta Campaign highlighted a pivotal moment in warfare that influenced subsequent campaigns throughout the Civil War, ultimately changing how wars were fought in America.

Related terms

William Tecumseh Sherman: A Union general known for his military strategy of total war, particularly during the Atlanta Campaign and his famous March to the Sea.

Siege: A military tactic where forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies in an effort to compel surrender.

Confederate Army:

The military forces that fought for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War, including units involved in the defense of Atlanta.