William Sherman's Atlanta Campaign and March to the Sea

The city of Atlanta was a major source of pride for the Confederacy, as it had risen up so quickly to become such a populous city. This was one reason General William Sherman decided to go on a raid through Atlanta, the other being that taking over a southern city would give Lincoln the support he needed to win the election of 1860. It was crucial Lincoln was reelected, as the other candidate, George McClellan had very different views on how to fight the war. After having retreated to Chattanooga at the Battle of Chickmauga, Sherman marched his troops into Atlanta, and caused chaos. Because the mayor refused to surrender, Sherman ordered all citizens to evacuate, and used homes and stores as barracks and supply hubs. After his troops got carried away and burned much of Atlanta, Sherman resided in Atlanta for two months. Once this waiting period was over, he went on a terrorizing march towards the coast, destroying anything in his path. His strategy, also known as "total war," was to wear down the Georgians so much that they would just give him their towns and hope the war would end. When Sherman met former slaves, even though he thought they were inferior, he would invite them on the march, and treat them with respect.

Sherman and his troops burned about 30% of Atlanta.

William Sherman marched through Georgia, causing utter destruction anywhere he went.