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Skirmishing Near Resaca

Sherman's Atlanta Campaign

Sherman's army constantly harassed Rebel troops, and forced them back through aggressive flanking. The Rebel troops gathered near the town of Risaca. Full scale combat occurred, but Sherman failed to press his advantage. Confederate forces drew back the next day.

Union Cavalry Near Resaca

By Adam Parker

Causes

The civil war was raging, and the north was beginning to pull ahead. After the battle of Chattanooga, Grant brought most of his army to bear against Lee in Virginia. However, the capture of Atlanta and defeat of Georgia would be a critical blow to the South, so Grant gave control of a portion of his army to his most trusted lieutenant, William T. Sherman, to accomplish this.

William T Sherman

Entrance into Georgia

Sherman entered Georgia with about 98,000 men. Standing against him was a Rebel army of about 50,000 men under the command of Joseph E. Johnson. Sherman came into Georgia near Chattanooga and marched toward Dalton.

Battle Of New Hope Church

A Change In Generals

Some Of Sherman's Army

Confederate President Davis was frustrated by Johnson's unwillingness to go on the offensive. He relieved him of his command and brought General John B. Hood to command Rebel forces. According to General Lee, "Hood is a very bold general. I am doubtful as to other qualities necessary. "

General Hood

Sherman continued forcing back the Confederates. Hoping to stop the smaller Rebel force, Sherman started to flank Johnson. However, Johnson assumed he would try this and set up defensive positions at New Hope Church. Sherman, thinking the force at New Hope was much smaller than it really was, sent the XX corps to attack. They came on a large force and were mauled by the Confederates.

Cannons at New Hope Church

Defense of Atlanta

Hood withdrew to Atlanta but soon went again on the offensive. He attempted a night assault on the Union lines. It was nearly successful, and broke part of the union line, but massed artillery fire drove the Rebels back with heavy casualties.

Battle Of Kennesaw Mountain

Confederates attack near Atlanta.

Constant skirmishing continually took casualties from both sides, but Johnson finally entrenched on Kennesaw Mountain. Rather than his usual flanking maneuver, Sherman went for a full out frontal assault. This proved to be a mistake, as Sherman lost about 3,000 men, compared to 1,000 Confederate casualties.

Siege Of Atlanta

Fierce combat at Kennesaw Mountain

Aftermath

After this action, the Union troops began to besiege the city. Sherman decided to send most of his army to attack the Rebel supply lines. Hood sent some troops to stop them, but he soon abandoned the city. Sherman then took full control of Atlanta.

The loss of Atlanta was a critical blow to the South. This split Alabama and Mississippi from fighting in Virginia, cutting off a big force for Lee. After this, some of Sherman's men went directly after Hood into the Carolinas, but most of them ravaged Georgia, and later S. and N. Carolina. The Confederacy never recovered.

Confederates flee Atlanta.

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