1. Railroad Hub: Atlanta was a crucial railroad hub in the Confederate transportation network. It was the convergence point for important rail lines connecting the East Coast, the Deep South, and the Mississippi Valley. Controlling Atlanta meant disrupting the Confederate logistics and supply chain, making it difficult for them to transport troops and supplies.
2. Industrial Center: Atlanta had emerged as a prominent industrial center in the region. It had various factories, foundries, machine shops, and other manufacturing facilities producing war supplies for the Confederate army. Taking over Atlanta would deprive the Confederates of essential resources and industrial capabilities.
Psychological Impact:
1. Symbolic Value: Capturing Atlanta was crucial due to its symbolic importance as the Confederacy's primary manufacturing and rail hub. Victory at Atlanta would demonstrate the Union's strength, demoralize the Southern populace, and boost the morale of Northern troops and supporters.
2. Pressuring Confederate Leadership: Sherman's aim was to pressure the Confederate leadership and force them to surrender by disrupting their infrastructure and supplies. With Atlanta's fall, the war effort became significantly more problematic for the Confederacy.
It's important to note that Sherman's famous "March to the Sea" followed the capture of Atlanta. The goal was to further devastate Georgia and put extra pressure on the Confederacy by destroying more infrastructure, resources, and morale across the state as the Union forces marched toward Savannah.