Sherman's Atlanta Campaign

Our second major city has been destroyed, all thanks to Sherman. General William Tecumseh Sherman led his campaign May 4 until August 31, 1864. His opponent was our own General Johnston. From May 4 up until mid July, Sherman mimicked Grant's development in the Eastern Theater.

Johnston had decided to remain on the defensive to avoid losing men. He did this because he knew that he couldn't defeat Sherman. His main goal was to slow Sherman's advance and to hold Atlanta.

There were constant fighting as Johnston was being pushed back. Not once did Sherman no continue following. One of these was "The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain," which fought under terrible and muddy conditions. Sherman lost 1,999 men to casualties whereas we only had 270. Johnston's campaign had generally worked. He had successfully kept Sherman back for 74 days, a total of about 100 miles. Regardless, Johnston was replaced by an aggressive general, a man we did not need, General John Bell hood.

On July 20, Sherman tried to reach Atlanta. Hood released an attack, which was easily fought off twice. Hood fled and citizens evacuated as Sherman burned the city.

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