| Sherman's goal was the conquest of Atlanta– 100 miles away from Chattanooga. Between Sherman and the city stood a series of mountain passes and a Confederate army, commanded by General Joseph Johnson. Johnson was waiting for Sherman to directly attack him. Sherman would not oblige. In a series of flanking manuevers, Sherman forced Johnson back to the outskirts of Atlanta. At that point, Johnson was replaced by Hood. Hood attempted a number of assaults on Union lines, all of which failed. On September 1st, Hood withdrew from Atlanta, when Sherman cut Atlanta's last remaining rail link. |
