After advancing south into Georgia in early 1864, why did Union General William T. Sherman directly move to attack Atlanta? b C Od Atlanta was a crucial military target because of its industrial and transportation resources. The Confederate government had moved its capital to Atlanta after the fall of Richmond, Virginia, in 1862. With its location on the Fall Line and Savannah River, Atlanta was a powerful river port. Atlanta was named after a famous Georgia governor, and losing the city would embarrass the state government.

After advancing south into Georgia in early 1864, why did Union General William T. Sherman directly move to attack Atlanta? b C Od Atlanta was a crucial military target because of its industrial and transportation resources. The Confederate government had moved its capital to Atlanta after the fall of Richmond, Virginia, in 1862. With its location on the Fall Line and Savannah River, Atlanta was a powerful river port. Atlanta was named after a famous Georgia governor, and losing the city would embarrass the state government.