The War Has Come to Georgia

So far most of the Civil War had been fought in the North aka the Union's territory, but in the spring of 1864 it came to Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta was a hub for manufacturing and railroads in the South. If the Union was able to capture it, Lincoln would almost be guaranteed reelection. Union blockades would make the capture easy. Additionally, Confederate General Lee had replaced Confederate President Davis' head General Johnston; showing a weakness within the government's structure.This became known as the Atlanta Campaign. In a matter of weeks, Atlanta was completely taken over by the Union Army. Soldiers camped in tents inside parks while generals slept in the mansions downtown.

But, this wasn't enough to drive the Confederates out of Atlanta. Union General Sherman orders his army to destroy all Confederate assets and public buildings burned. The soldiers start tearing apart railroad tracks and buildings then, burning them in a montrous bonfire. All is well until soldiers forget their orders and start burning civilians' homes. More than 30% of the city is burned. Now the war has truly become a "total war" like Union General Grant had originally stated. General Sherman had advised the citizens of Georgia to evacuate the city. He didn't want to have the expense of feeding and protecting these people. Sherman also told the citizens that Atlanta would become a war zone. Atlanta's mayor James Calhoun surrendered the city to the Union. Sherman sends an excitable telegraph to President Lincoln stating ,"Atlanta is ours, and fairly won." They stayed there for 2 months.

Then, Sherman decided to march throughout the state to the sea. This was called Sherman's March to
the Sea. Sherman and his army started the dangerous march to the sea. There were no railroads, no telegraph lines, and no extra supplies in Southern Georgia. Soldiers ransacked farmers' houses for food sometimes killing their livestock. Some also had their first encounter with slaves. The slaves were often encouraged to join the march even though its more moths to feed. Sherman was a role model to these slaves. On occasion he would shake their hands. At this time in history a white man shaking a black man's hand was unheard of. Though Sherman seems like a abolitionist, his personal view on blacks is pure hatred.

Sherman and his army slowly make their way to Savannah. When they arrive, the mayor willing gives up the city without a fight. This shows the effect "total war" has on people.

Burning of Atlanta
General Sherman
Slavery