Why did the Battle of Atlanta occur?

Answer 1

It took place at Atlanta, Georgia.

"During the months leading up to the battle, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston had repeatedly retreated from Sherman's superior force. All along the railroad line from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Marietta, Georgia, a pattern was played and replayed: Johnston would take up a defensive position, Sherman would march to outflank the Confederate defenses, and Johnston would retreat again. After Johnston's withdrawal following the Battle of Resaca, the two armies clashed again at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, but the Confederate senior leadership in Richmond was unhappy with Johnston's perceived reluctance to fight the Union army, even though he had little chance of winning. Thus, on July 17, 1864, as he was preparing for the Battle of Peachtree Creek, Johnston was relieved of his command and replaced by Lt. Gen. John Bell Hood.[8] The dismissal and replacement of Johnston was one of the most controversial decisions of the Civil War.[9] Hood commanded approximately 51,000 men[3] against Sherman commanding almost 100,000 men.[2] Hood, who was fond of taking risks,[8] lashed out at Sherman's army at Peachtree Creek, but the attack failed with almost five thousand Confederate casualties.

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Answer 2

The Confederate army wanted to take over Atlanta.