After the fall of Atlanta to the Union forces of General William T. Sherman, Confederate General John Bell Hood planned an ambitious march into Tennessee. His plan was to recapture Middle Tennessee.This area was under Union control in 1864.
John Bell Hood
After a month of preparation, Union General Sherman was totally organized and sent forces south of Atlanta and cut off General Hood's line's of communications. This forced Bell to evacuate Atlanta and retreat. On September 2, 1864, Sherm occupied Atlanta.
Confederate General John Bell Hood had replaced General Johnston in order to prevent the fall of Atlanta. He was not successful and General Sherman had the city basically under siege. To save what was left of his army, General Hood had to evacuate Atlanta and Sherman marched in unopposed.
The fall of Atlanta in September of 1864, did not seal the fate of the Confederacy. In the East, Virginia was a stalemate. Although Union General Sherman seemed secure, it was not the case. Confederate General John Bell Hood decided to march north to cut Sherman's supply lines at the Western and Atlantic Railroad. If successful, the goal was to retake Tennessee.
Sherman - who burned it down. McPherson - the Union General, killed at Atlanta, of whom they said "He was more than a great General, He was a great man." John Bell Hood - the Confederate General, who had been selected for his gung-ho qualities. They led to disaster.
Confederate President Jefferson Davis believed that General Johnston was not adequate to turn back the advance of Union troops in Georgia in 1864. He therefore replaced him with General John Bell Hood to lead the Army of Tennessee.
Originally Joseph E. Johnston, until he was replaced by John Hood.
In mid-July of 1864, Union General William Sherman was headquartered outside of Atlanta. There a Union spy informed him that Confederate General Joseph Johnston was being replaced with General John Bell Hood. Sherman knew little about Hood, except that he lost a leg at the Battle of Chickamauga.
Confederate General John Bell Hood had replaced General Joseph Johnston on July 17, 1864. It was the understanding of President Jefferson Davis that General Hood would be more aggressive against Union General Sherman. With that in mind, Hood sent his forces on the following dates to attack Sherman:* July 20, 1864 the Battle of Peachtree Creek;* July 22, 1864 the Battle of Atlanta; and* July 28, 1864 the Battle of Ezra Church.None of Bell's attacks were successful.
In late July of 1864, The Army of Tennessee commanded by General John Bell Hood launched an eight day offensive against the forces of General William T. Sherman. The purpose of the assault was to stop Union attempts to cut the southern railroad leading to Atlanta, Georgia. Hood was successful, however he took large losses in his attempt to save Atlanta.
Ft. Hood, Texas is named for Confederate General John Bell Hood.
Confederate President Jefferson Davis became dissatisfied with General Johnston's inability to stop the Union's advance towards Atlanta. Union General Sherman was making steady progress and Davis believed a more aggressive John Bell Hood would better protect Atlanta. On July 17, 1864 Bell replaced Johnston.