Which Union general is credited with burning Atlanta during the Civil War?

William Tecumseh Sherman is credited with burning Atlanta during the Civil War as part of his military strategy known as "total war." Sherman's goal was not only to defeat Confederate forces but also to diminish their ability to continue the war by destroying infrastructure and resources that supported the Southern war effort. The burning of Atlanta in September 1864 was a significant event as it aimed to demoralize the South and showcase the Union's military strength.

Sherman's campaign had a profound impact, as he subsequently led his famous "March to the Sea," further extending this strategy through Georgia. By targeting not just enemy troops but also civilian resources, Sherman sought to hasten the end of the conflict, making his actions in Atlanta particularly notable in the broader context of the war.