The Battle of Atlanta

Cannons and Courage: The Stories Behind the American Civil War's Major Battles, Book 12

By: N.S. Stedman

Narrated by: Terrence Scott Miller

The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, remains one of the most significant conflicts in American history. It erupted as a result of deep-rooted divisions between the Northern states, which favored the abolition of slavery, and the Southern states, which relied heavily on the institution for their agrarian economy. The war was a culmination of years of tension and political disputes over issues such as states' rights, territorial expansion, and the moral question of slavery.

The conflict witnessed a staggering loss of life, with estimates of more than 600,000 soldiers and civilians killed. It marked a turning point in American society, politics, and economics. As a result of the Civil War, the United States emerged as a unified nation with a stronger federal government, and slavery was abolished with the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865.

Among the many significant battles fought during the Civil War, the Battle of Atlanta holds a prominent place as a critical turning point in the course of the conflict. It took place during the summer of 1864 as part of General William T. Sherman's Atlanta Campaign, a Union military operation aimed at capturing the strategic city of Atlanta, which was a crucial transportation hub and a symbol of Confederate resilience.
The Battle of Atlanta was pivotal for several reasons. Firstly, it represented a decisive Union victory that shifted the momentum of the war in favor of the North. The capture of Atlanta dealt a severe blow to the Confederacy, as it disrupted crucial supply lines and shattered Southern morale. The fall of Atlanta also paved the way for Sherman's subsequent March to the Sea, a devastating military campaign that further weakened the Confederate war effort.

Moreover, the Battle of Atlanta carried significant political implications. It coincided with the 1864 presidential election, in which the incumbent President Abraham Lincoln sought reelection against his Democratic opponent, General George B. McClellan. The Union victory in Atlanta provided a much-needed boost to Lincoln's chances of securing a second term, as it demonstrated progress on the battlefield and bolstered popular support for the Union cause.

The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Battle of Atlanta, exploring its historical context, key events, and enduring significance. The outline will guide the exploration of this pivotal battle and its impact on the larger narrative of the American Civil War.

The book will be structured in a logical and cohesive manner, allowing for a thorough examination of the Battle of Atlanta. It will begin with a historical background section, providing an overview of the American Civil War and highlighting the strategic importance of Atlanta. This will be followed by a detailed examination of the opposing forces, including the Union and Confederate armies, their commanding officers, troop strengths, and organizational structures.

The pre-battle preparations section will delve into the Union's Atlanta Campaign and the Confederate defensive strategies. It will also explore the siege of Atlanta and the various attempts to break the Union blockade. The subsequent section will focus on the commencement of the battle, including the opening maneuvers, skirmishes, and the Union's attempts to breach the Confederate lines.

The book will then delve into the fighting for control, examining the Union's offensive strategies and the Confederate attempts to repel the Union forces. This section will cover key battles such as Peachtree Creek, the Battle of Atlanta itself, and the Battle of Ezra Church. The fall of Atlanta will be the central focus of the next section, exploring the Union's capture of the city and the subsequent retreat of Confederate forces.

©2023 Nicholas Stedman (P)2023 Nicholas Stedman