Atlanta, 1864. Sherman, the Northern General, is about the burn the city. He's attacked Atlanta because Atlanta is the main transportation point for the South. It has a number of railroads coming through. Northern soldiers, who have fought their way form Chattanooga to Atlanta, leaving behind a *long* and vulnerable supply line, will strip the town of supplies. At this point in history, the southern defenders have deserted the town. Sherman has entered and will burn the town when he leaves. Sherman will then begin his March to the Sea, where he will burn and destroy some of the South's most productive farming. His march signals the beginning of the end for the South. Sherman will prove the North can move at will through the south and destroy the economy at will.
Finally, notice the dirt roads and mud. When Sherman leaves Atlanta, the Fall and Winter rains will begin. All those wagons you see in the picture, filled with with supplies stripped from Atlanta, will follow the men and cavalry, creating muddy roads of legendary proportions. At some points, the horses will be mired up to their chests in mud. The men will then be drafted to drag the wagons.
If you've ever seen Gone with the Wind, the burning of Atlanta is the background.
Steve
No comments:
Post a Comment