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Atlanta was the second largest city in the South(behind New Orleans). It was a major hub or point of intersection for railroads making it important for distribution of supplies,etc. so it was an important military objective.

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In late August of 1864, US General William T. Sherman mounted a siege on Atlanta, Georgia. Union artillery shelled the city, and raids were sent west and south of Atlanta in order to cut supply lines from Macon, Georgia. On August 31, Union forces took control of the railway that led to Macon. Confederate troops had evacuated the city and Atlanta surrendered on September 2, 1864. Capturing this major Southern city which had railway links to other parts of the South was important. The city was a large one and losing it was a terrible blow to the Confederacy. The military victory there was more than just that. It had political ramifications as well. Northern attitudes toward continuing the war were shifting away from US President Lincoln. He feared he would lose the November, 1864 presidential election. When news of the fall of Atlanta was heard in the North, many doubters of the president believed that perhaps the end of the war was near. This help to give Lincoln a wide victory over Democrat George B. McClellan in November.

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Q: Why was Atlanta targeted by the Union army?
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Related questions

Who won in The Battle of Atlanta?

The Union army under William T. Sherman.


Union leader who commanded the army of the Cumberland at Chattanooga and Atlanta?

George Thomas at Chattanooga. William T. Sherman at Atlanta.


How many Casualties were at the battle of Atlanta?

At the Battle of Atlanta, the Union Army had 3,641 causalities and losses. The Confederacy Army had 5,500 casualties and loses at the battle on July 22, 1864.


General who led the union army that captured atlanta georgia?

William T. Sherman.


Who fought against the union in the battle of Atlanta?

The Army of Tennessee, commanded by John B. Hood


How large were Union General Sherman's troops as he began his drive to Atlanta in May of 1864?

Union General had an army of 100,000 troops on May 7, 1864 as he prepared for his drive to capture Atlanta, Georgia.


How long did the union army occupy atlanta before burning it to the ground?

It took over two months


Which army won the battle of Chattanooga?

The Union Army won the Battle of Chattanooga. The victory opened the gate for the invasion of Georgia and the campaign for the conquest of Atlanta.


What are some important victories for the union army?

Shiloh Antietam Vicksburg Gettysburg 2nd Chattanooga Atlanta Petersburg


Union general at Atlanta?

Sherman was the union general in Atlanta.


Who won the battle of Atlanta?

The Battle of Atlanta, part of the American Civil War, occurred on July 22, 1864. The result of the battle was a victory for the Union.


General Sherman marched his army from Chattanooga toward what city?

General Tecumseh Sherman of the Union Army advanced from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia. After victory in Atlanta, Sherman ordered the city's evacuation and burning in November 1864.