Atlanta Reconstruction :: essays research papers

battle of Atlanta ReconstructedHaving been a gateway to and from grey economics and enterprise before and during the war, Atlanta seemingly sealed its band by becoming a strategic target for a spousal relationship offensive. In an effort to cripple the supply line to Confederate forces, customary Sherman opted to finish destroying the already war wrenched urban center. When Union forces finally go away Atlanta, it appeared detailed more(prenominal) then a desolate wasteland. Undoubtedly Sherman had achieved the Unions goal, as swell as sending a clear message to the Confederates.With the end of the polished War, Atlanta served as a project and model for all the southerly populous. Whites and fatefuls alike quickly filled the city and rebuilding began at an astonishing rate. Southern whites, seemingly relieved at the end of the war, wasted no time in creating an environment to suite their needs. Four railways were the centerpiece to Atlantas fresh vibrant economy. Soon, A tlanta surpassed its pre-war status in both(prenominal) area and size.The Reconstruction Act of 1867 offered a military presence in Atlanta that insured blacks safety. Like the rest of the southern Freedmen, blacks flooded the city to escape plantations and seek a better life. The white population took a different approach then other southern areas, seeming to abbreviate the ever-growing black population. Jobs were sparse for the Freedmen and although compiling nearly half of Atlantas population, blacks found themselves living well below the white standard of living. owe to the military presents, whites patently concentrated their energies on making themselves and their city more comfortable and wealthy then ever before. In 1868, Atlanta became the new Capitol, further fueling the goal of making it the heart and soul of Georgia.With the casual of the Fifteenth Amendment, Blacks earned the right to vote. This, although powerful in appearance, had little emergence on the segregat ion that Atlantas white population had adopted. Black voters boosted the presence of the Republican Party, but not enough to over through and through that of the Democrats. As Atlantas growth subsided and the military presence was lifted, blacks left the inner city, taking refuge on the outskirts of town. Atlanta had seemingly succeeded in its goals. It welcomed northerners with open arms, but dealt with the blacks by simply shunting them to one side. Over time, blacks and whites simply lived life apart from one another.