Atlanta Campaign: The Bloody Struggle for Georgia During the US Civil War

Q: What was the significance of the Atlanta Campaign?

The Atlanta Campaign was significant for leading to the capture of Atlanta by Union troops at a critical point in the American Civil War, for rejuvenating support for the war in the North and leading to the re-election of Abraham Lincoln, and for preceding Sherman's March to the Sea.

Q: Who led the Atlanta Campaign?

During the Atlanta Campaign, the Union forces were led by William Tecumseh Sherman. In the first part of the campaign, the Confederate Army was led by Joseph E. Johnston until he was fired on July 16 for being too cautious, at which point he was replaced by the more aggressive John Bell Hood.

Q: How many casualties were in the Atlanta Campaign?

The Atlanta Campaign produced approximately 35,000 casualties on the Confederate side and 34,500 losses for the Union side, for a total of nearly 70,000 men killed or wounded.

Harrison W. Mark

Definition

The Atlanta Campaign (7 May to 2 September 1864) was a major military campaign in the western theater of the American Civil War (1861-1865). It saw a large Union force under Major General William Tecumseh Sherman invade Georgia, constantly outmaneuvering the Confederate Army of Tennessee, until he came to the strategically significant city of Atlanta. After several bloody battles, Sherman captured Atlanta on 2 September, delivering one of the final death blows to the Confederate States.

More about: Atlanta Campaign

Timeline

7 May 1864
William Tecumseh Sherman begins his Atlanta Campaign.
12 May 1864
Sherman outmaneuvers the Confederate Army of Tennessee, forcing it off Rocky Face Ridge.
19 May 1864
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston continues his retreat through Georgia, after an abortive fight near Cassville.
14 Jun 1864
Confederate General Leonidas Polk is killed in action near Marietta, Georgia.
27 Jun 1864
Battle of Kennesaw Mountain results in a Confederate victory.
9 Jul 1864
Sherman crosses the Chattahoochee River and outflanks Johnston, who falls back to Peachtree Creek.
16 Jul 1864
Joseph E. Johnston is removed from command of the Confederate Army of Tennessee; he is replaced by John Bell Hood.
18 Jul 1864
Sherman begins to lay siege to Atlanta, Georgia.
20 Jul 1864
Battle of Peachtree Creek; Union victory.
22 Jul 1864
Battle of Atlanta; Union victory. Union Major General James B. McPherson is killed.
Aug 1864
Sherman begins bombarding Atlanta.
31 Aug 1864 - 1 Sep 1864
Battle of Jonesborough; Union victory.
1 Sep 1864
Hood evacuates Atlanta, destroys 81 rail cars full of ammunition and military supplies.
2 Sep 1864
Atlanta is occupied by Union soldiers; end of the Atlanta Campaign.