Atlanta campaign
1864 · Atlanta (modern Georgia, United States) · World · Modern
After months of maneuver and several hard-fought battles, Sherman encircled Atlanta. Hood abandoned the city, and Union forces occupied it on September 2.
Belligerents
United States (Union)
- Commanders
- William Tecumseh Sherman
- Strength
- c. 100,000
Confederate States of America (Confederacy)
- Commanders
- Joseph Johnston, John Bell Hood
- Strength
- About 60,000
Background
Sherman was ordered to advance south from Tennessee against Atlanta, a major railway and war-industry center of the Confederacy, whose commanders were replaced several times.
Course of the battle
- War of maneuverJohnston adopted a strategy of stubborn step-by-step resistance while avoiding a decisive battle, and Sherman repeatedly outflanked him.
- Hood counterattacksAfter the Confederate president replaced him with Hood, the defenders switched to taking the offensive, but several battles failed to turn the tide and only increased their losses.
- City abandoned under encirclementThe Union army completed the encirclement and cut the railway supply lines, and Hood abandoned the city and withdrew south.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1864 |
|---|---|
| Place | Atlanta (present-day Georgia, United States) |
| Result | After months of maneuver and several hard-fought battles, Sherman encircled Atlanta. Hood abandoned the city, and Union forces occupied it on September 2. |
| Winner | United States (Union) |
| Casualties | Combined casualties during the campaign exceeded 30,000. |
| Territorial change | The Union occupied this major Southern railway and industrial hub and used it as the starting point for the "March to the Sea." |
Impact
The fall of Atlanta greatly boosted Northern morale, directly helped Lincoln win reelection in the presidential election that November, and paved the way for Sherman's subsequent destructive March to the Sea.
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