War Stories - March to Atlanta Part 4: Hood's Counterattack and the Siege of Atlanta

As July began, the Union Army approached the outskirts of Atlanta. However, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, dissatisfied with Johnston's continuous retreats, dismissed him and appointed General John B. Hood as the new commander of the Army of Tennessee. Hood sought to halt Sherman's advance through aggressive attacks rather than solely defending. On July 20th, in the Battle of Peachtree Creek, Hood attacked the Union forces but failed to break their lines. Subsequently, on July 22nd, in the Battle of Atlanta, Hood attacked the flank and rear of the Union Army commanded by McPherson. The Confederates launched fierce assaults, inflicting significant damage, including the death of Union commander McPherson during the battle. However, the Union Army held its lines, and the Confederate attack failed. Sherman then shifted his forces west of Atlanta, attempting to cut off the Confederacy's last railroad supply line. On July 28th, there was another Confederate counterattack at Ezra Church, but the Union forces repelled it. Atlanta was now becoming increasingly isolated from the outside world.