Changes

The Civil War saw Atlanta as the main object of General [[William T. Sherman]]'s attacks in 1864. The Union bombardment of Atlanta, 20 July-24 August 1864, caused considerable property damage and seriously disrupted the lives of the inhabitants. But civilian casualties were relatively light because many people fled the city even before the bombardment began. Those who remained huddled in backyard caves and cellars during intensive shelling, and employed other techniques to minimize danger.  Confederates burned the downtown as Sherman approached, but it was quickly rebuilt.<ref> Stephen Davis,  "'A Very Barbarous Mode of Carrying on War': Sherman's Artillery Bombardment of Atlanta, July 20-August 24, 1864." ''Georgia Historical Quarterly'' 1995 79(1): 57-90. 0016-8297 </ref>   

The Civil War saw Atlanta as the main object of General [[William T. Sherman]]'s attacks in 1864. The Union bombardment of Atlanta, 20 July-24 August 1864, caused considerable property damage and seriously disrupted the lives of the inhabitants. But civilian casualties were relatively light because many people fled the city even before the bombardment began. Those who remained huddled in backyard caves and cellars during intensive shelling, and employed other techniques to minimize danger.  Confederates burned the downtown as Sherman approached, but it was quickly rebuilt.<ref> Stephen Davis,  "'A Very Barbarous Mode of Carrying on War': Sherman's Artillery Bombardment of Atlanta, July 20-August 24, 1864." ''Georgia Historical Quarterly'' 1995 79(1): 57-90. 0016-8297 </ref>   

=====Reconstruction=====

=====Reconstruction=====

During [[Reconstruction]] at the end of the war several federal agencies, especially the [[Freeman’s Bureau]] of the Army, and northern religious organizations began operating in Atlanta to aid the Freedmen (freed slaves), The first and most extensive efforts were made by the Union Army through its Freedman's Bureau. In addition American Missionary Association, and the (northern) Methodist Episcopal Church also offered limited assistance. A rudimentary school system was established.  

During [[Reconstruction]] at the end of the war several federal agencies, especially the [[Freedman’s Bureau]] of the Army, and northern religious organizations began operating in Atlanta to aid the freedmen (freed slaves), The first and most extensive efforts were made by the Union Army through its Freedman's Bureau. In addition American Missionary Association, and the (northern) Methodist Episcopal Church also offered limited assistance. A rudimentary school system was established.

 

====Gilded Age====

====Gilded Age====

With its central location and excellent railroad connections, Atlanta became a major commercial center. Boosters moved the state capital here in 1868. The greatest booster of all was [[Henry W. Grady]], who became managing editor of the ''Atlanta Constitution'' in 1880, and became the principal spokesman for the New South. In his famous 1886 speech, "The New South," given before the New England Society in New York City, Grady won over his Yankee audience with wit and charm and the message that the wounds of the Civil War had healed and that the South was meeting the challenges of the new era.  

With its central location and excellent railroad connections, Atlanta became a major commercial center. Boosters moved the state capital here in 1868. The greatest booster of all was [[Henry W. Grady]], who became managing editor of the ''Atlanta Constitution'' in 1880, and became the principal spokesman for the New South. In his famous 1886 speech, "The New South," given before the New England Society in New York City, Grady won over his Yankee audience with wit and charm and the message that the wounds of the Civil War had healed and that the South was meeting the challenges of the new era.