Summary of Kennesaw Mountain: Sherman, Johnston, and the Atlanta Campaign by Earl J. Hess

Dive into the thrilling narrative of Kennesaw Mountain, where Sherman and Johnston clash in a riveting Civil War campaign filled with strategy and chaos.

Welcome to the wild ride that is Kennesaw Mountain: Sherman, Johnston, and the Atlanta Campaign! Spoiler alert: it's not just a stroll in the park but a full-blown Civil War drama that'll have you questioning your life choices while reading about generals who had far more action in their lives than most Netflix series.

Our story kicks off with Union General William Tecumseh Sherman and Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston playing a high-stakes game of chess where the pieces are actually soldiers and the board is, well, Georgia. The year is 1864, and Sherman is not just any general; he's basically the guy who decided it was time to show the South who's boss. Spoiler: he uses the tactic of "let's burn everything and get to Atlanta as fast as we can"-classic Sherman.

So, who is Johnston in all this? Well, he's the guy who is tasked with stopping Sherman, and he does so with all the enthusiasm of someone who forgot to have their morning coffee. Johnston's defensive strategies are like a collection of "how not to lose a war," which makes you wonder if he would have preferred to be binge-watching instead of leading troops.

The title Kennesaw Mountain refers to the site of one of the major battles, and trust me, this isn't just a mountain picnic. This battleground became a solid representation of the struggle between Union and Confederate forces, with both sides pulling out all the stops-cannons, muskets, and, if we're lucky, a few dramatic speeches. It's a scene that would make any history buff weak at the knees.

As Sherman's troops advance, the tension escalates. The battle at Kennesaw Mountain is one for the ages: it's chaotic, it's bloody, and yes, it's pretty much a disaster for Johnston, who finds himself outmaneuvered and overwhelmed. It's like a reality show gone wrong, where instead of getting voted off the island, the contestants are getting sent to the battlefield.

Hess digs into the nitty-gritty: troop movements, strategies (or lack thereof), and the not-so-glorious moments that define this campaign. You get to feel the weight of their choices, as Sherman and Johnston zigzag through battles, with various outcomes that would make a soap opera look like child's play.

One of the crucial points of Hess's narrative is the exploration of tactics. Sherman isn't just a general; he's the guy who believes in "total war," meaning he's not just after enemy soldiers but also their will to fight. What ensues are burnings, pillaging, and a whole lot of psychological warfare-think less "let's chat over tea" and more "you better run or face the wrath of the Union."

The aftermath? Well, let's just say Atlanta didn't stand a chance. Sherman's Atlanta Campaign ultimately leads to the fall of the city, and the implications are felt long after, influencing not just military tactics but the whole Civil War itself.

In short, Kennesaw Mountain isn't just a military history book; it's a tale of ambition, strategy, and a healthy dose of chaos. Earl J. Hess does a remarkable job of laying out the complexities while keeping the narrative as engaging as a well-written historical drama. So, if you want a blend of history and intense military strategy-with a dash of sarcasm in the margins-this book may be just what you need. Just don't forget your popcorn!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.