key term - Kennesaw Mountain

Definition

Kennesaw Mountain is a significant battlefield located in Cobb County, Georgia, known for its role in the Civil War during the Atlanta Campaign. The mountain served as a strategic position for both Confederate and Union forces, culminating in the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain on June 27, 1864, where Union General William T. Sherman attempted to flank Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston’s army. This engagement was pivotal in the broader context of major battles and campaigns fought in Georgia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain was characterized by strong defensive positions held by Confederate troops, making it difficult for Union forces to advance.
2. Union troops suffered significant casualties at Kennesaw Mountain due to the well-fortified positions of the Confederate army.
3. Despite the tactical defeat at Kennesaw Mountain, Sherman's forces continued their advance towards Atlanta shortly after the battle.
4. The site is now preserved as Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, which commemorates the soldiers who fought there and serves as a historical site for visitors.
5. The battle demonstrated the importance of terrain in military strategy, as Kennesaw Mountain’s elevation provided a strong advantage to those who controlled it.

Review Questions

• How did the geographical features of Kennesaw Mountain influence the tactics used by both Union and Confederate forces during the battle?
  • The geographical features of Kennesaw Mountain played a crucial role in shaping military tactics during the battle. The mountain's elevation provided Confederates with advantageous defensive positions that made it challenging for Union troops to successfully attack. As a result, Union General Sherman had to devise strategies that took into account these elevated fortifications, ultimately leading to significant Union casualties as they faced well-prepared Confederate lines.
• Discuss the implications of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain on the overall Atlanta Campaign and its outcomes.
  • The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain had significant implications for the Atlanta Campaign. Although it resulted in a tactical defeat for Union forces due to heavy casualties, it did not halt Sherman's overall strategy. In fact, following this battle, Sherman decided to bypass Kennesaw Mountain entirely by executing flanking maneuvers that ultimately led to the fall of Atlanta. The capture of Atlanta marked a turning point in the Civil War, boosting Northern morale and contributing to Lincoln's re-election.
• Evaluate how the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain reflects broader trends in military strategy and technology during the Civil War.
  • The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain illustrates broader trends in military strategy and technology during the Civil War by showcasing the importance of entrenched positions and artillery usage. The Confederates utilized fortifications on elevated terrain effectively, demonstrating how terrain could impact outcomes despite numerical disadvantages. Additionally, advancements in rifled artillery and minié balls increased the lethality of warfare during this period. This battle exemplifies how commanders had to adapt their strategies based on these technological advancements and their understanding of terrain advantages.

Related terms

Atlanta Campaign:

A series of battles from May to September 1864 aimed at capturing Atlanta, which was a key supply center for the Confederacy.

Battle of Pine Mountain: The battle that preceded Kennesaw Mountain, occurring on June 14, 1864, resulting in the death of Confederate General Leonidas Polk.

General William T. Sherman: A Union general known for his military strategy and leadership during the Civil War, particularly his 'March to the Sea' and the Atlanta Campaign.