What were the Confederate plans as Union General Sherman marched through Georgia in 1864?

Answer 1

All favourable.

It confirmed their wisdom in re-electing Lincoln, as it demonstrated the hopeless position of the Confederacy.

And it caused many Georgian troops in Lee's army in Virginia to desert - they felt they were needed at home. This strengthened Grant's position.

Answer 2

Many Northern peace advocates and even General Halleck were concerned about the heavy hand that General Sherman was inflicting on the civilian population of the South. Halleck, an expert on international practices in warfare believed that Sherman was very close to committing unreasonable hurt and pain on civilians.The South of course was outraged.

In the North, citizens were glad to see Union victories. The destruction of civilian property met with a mixed response.

Answer 3

General Sherman's march to the sea presented the Confederates with a serious dilemma. Confederate General John Bell Hood had his main force in northern Alabama. This was hundreds of miles away from Sherman's rear guard. It would have been impossible to catch him. With that option closed, Hood decided to march into Middle Tennessee. As Hood approached Nashville, Tennessee, he was not conducting a raid. Hood was intent on the reconquest of Middle Tennessee. His problem was that he was facing entrenched Union forces. Union General Thomas was successful in turning back Bell and he retreated into northern Mississippi.

Answer 4

So badly that they urged the Union troops to move on and ravage South Carolina - a sister Confederate state.

Answer 5

Simply falling back towards Savannah where, for some reason, Sherman failed to capture them.