Sherman's Atlanta Campaign and Sherman's March to the Sea

The Atlanta Campaign was a series of battles in Northern Georgia that began on May 1864 when Union General Sherman attacked Confederate General Johnston. The Union wanted to capture Atlanta for two reasons: it was a major rail center and to guarantee Lincoln's reelection. Later Lee replaced Johnston with a more aggressive leader, General Hood. Once Sherman captured Atlanta he burned all the buildings and destroyed any supplies that could be used for the war. Additionally, he ruined the railroad tracks. The Atlanta Campaign mattered because the destruction was demoralizing, railroads were destroyed, Confederate military was weakened, and Lincoln gained support and was reelected. Then he began his march to Savannah. His march was risky because he would have no railroads for food supplies and no communication. On his way he stole crops and livestock from farmers to feed his soilders. Overall his army marched 650 miles in less than 100 marching days. His "total war" strategy was meant to make Georgians so weary of war that they would quit. During the march to sea he picked up some former slaves who were willing to fight.
Pictures:
1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Campaign
2.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherman's_March_to_the_Sea