What devastating event occurred in Atlanta during the Civil War?

The burning of Atlanta in 1864 is a significant event in Civil War history, marking a turning point in the war and symbolizing the devastation wrought by the conflict. This event occurred during General William Tecumseh Sherman's Atlanta Campaign, which aimed to capture the strategic city of Atlanta and disrupt the Confederacy's supply lines. After months of fighting, the Union forces succeeded in taking control of the city.

Following its capture, Sherman ordered the evacuation of the civilian population and the subsequent destruction of key military targets and infrastructure within Atlanta. The city was set ablaze by Union troops, leading to widespread devastation and loss of property. The burning of Atlanta served multiple purposes: it crippled the Confederate war effort by destroying valuable resources and also aimed to demoralize the Southern populace. This event not only influenced military outcomes but also had long-lasting impacts on the reputation of the North and the course of public opinion regarding the war.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe events that had a similar level of immediate and historical significance to Atlanta during the Civil War.