THE BATTLE LINES TAKING AtLANTA In late 1863, both sides had reasons to be hopeful. CAPTURE THE UNIOn… THE CONFEDERATE… OF THE UNION THE CONFEDERACY …would deny the Confederates …defense would allow the fight to a key manufacturing and continue and perhaps force a war- For the Union, defeats and setbacks For the Confederates, the transportation hub in the South. weary North to sue for peace. were finally overcome with victories once demoralized Army at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and of Tennessee reorganized Chattanooga. Their combined during the 1863/64 winter ATLANTA General William T. Sherman (left) called the Atlanta Campaign Armies of the Cumberland, Ohio, at Dalton. Under the the “professional phase” of the Civil War. Three years of heavy and the Tennessee numbered experienced leadership fighting transformed green recruits and inexperienced officers into over 105,000 soldiers ready for of General Joseph E. toughened veterans. They had seen their compatriots die due to battle – almost twice that of the Johnston (above), he restored confidence combat, exposure, and disease. Confederates. and resupplied and reinforced the army, so that it now numbered more than 65,000. BY THE NUMBERS OUTFLANKED CHATTANOOGA Casualties had already been enormous by 1864: General Johnston continually retreated toward Atlanta, routinely outflanked Dalton by Sherman’s armies. In July, Jefferson 250,000 Casualties .............Union Davis, the Confederate president, was tired of retreat, replacing Johnston Resaca 150,000 Casualties .............................................. Confederacy May 1864 witnessed a massive Federal army poised with John Bell Hood. Hood was a to invade Georgia. This campaign was part of risk-taker, challenging the Union with Adairsville assaults with huge Confederate losses. er General Ulysses S. Grant’s “grand scheme” for iv R e e h Hood pulled his troops out of Atlanta c o o victory. In the South, General William T. Sherman h Readying for the Atlanta Campaign in 1854: t a at and the city surrendered on September Ch commanded the Federal army in Chattanooga. 2. The end of the war neared. 105,000 Soldiers His goal was the capture of Atlanta and destruction ................ Union (Armies of Cumberland, Ohio, & Tennessee) Pickett’s Mill Kennesaw Mt. of the city. Peachtree Creek New Hope Church 65,000 Soldiers Kolb’s Farm ...................................................... Confederacy (Army of Tennessee) ATLANTA Images courtesy of Library of Congress, Washington, DC.