The Battle of Atlanta: Sherman's Tank Tour Hits a Snag (But Ends With a Bang!)
The American Civil War, folks, a time of impressive facial hair and even more impressive misunderstandings about states' rights (among other things). Today, we're setting our sights on the Atlanta Campaign, specifically the Battle of Atlanta, which wasn't exactly a picnic in the park...unless your idea of a picnic involves cannons and dodging bullets.
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| How Did The Battle Of Atlanta Happen |
The Grumpy Union General vs. The "All Gas, No Brakes" Confederate
Union Major General William Tecumseh Sherman was on a mission. Nicknamed "Uncle Billy" by his troops (not exactly sure why...), Sherman wanted Atlanta, a crucial Confederate rail and supply hub, more than a kid wants a participation trophy (participation trophies weren't a thing then, but you get the idea).
On the other side of the field, we have Confederate Lieutenant General John Bell Hood. This guy wasn't known for playing checkers – he was all about aggressive tactics, some might even say reckless. Think of him as the military equivalent of that friend who always goes for the "broke" option in Monopoly.
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
Surprise! Not Exactly a Tea Party
Sherman wasn't exactly subtle. He marched his Army of Tennessee straight towards Atlanta, prompting the Confederates to frantically dig trenches and build fortifications around the city faster than you can say "impending doom."
General Joseph E. Johnston, the Confederate commander at the time (think of him as the voice of reason in this crazy situation), preferred a more cautious approach. But alas, President Jefferson Davis, who apparently wasn't a fan of patience, replaced Johnston with the aforementioned "All Gas, No Brakes" Hood.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
The Battle Heats Up (Literally)
Hood, true to form, decided the best course of action was to attack. On July 22nd, 1864, the Confederates launched a surprise assault on the Union lines. Things got messy, fast. Cannons roared, bullets whizzed by faster than a politician changing stances, and folks on both sides realized war wasn't all sunshine and rainbows (though there probably wasn't much sunshine considering all the smoke).
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Major General James B. McPherson, a Union hero, tragically fell during the battle. Despite heavy casualties, Sherman's troops held their ground, and Hood's attack fizzled out.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
The Aftermath: Not Over Yet
The Battle of Atlanta was a turning point, but the fight for the city wasn't over. Sherman would eventually outmaneuver the Confederates and capture Atlanta in September of 1864. The city burned (accidentally or intentionally, that's a whole other story!), but the Union victory was a major blow to the Confederacy.
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
So You Want to Fight Your Own Civil War? (Probably Not)
Here are some helpful tips for NOT reenacting the Battle of Atlanta (seriously, folks, leave the war games to the history books):
- How to Dodge Cannon Fire: Step 1: Don't be in the line of fire. There really isn't a Step 2.
- How to outrun a Bullet: This one's a trick question. You can't.
- How to Make Friends During War: Try offering your enemy a nice pair of earplugs. The constant cannon fire can get tiring for everyone.
- How to Win a War: This one requires a time machine and a whole lot of strategy.
- How to Learn More About the Civil War: Crack open a history book! Or, you know, read this article again. We put a lot of effort into it.
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