What significant action did William Tecumseh Sherman take in May 1864?

In May 1864, William Tecumseh Sherman launched a significant military campaign aimed at capturing Atlanta, Georgia, which was a strategic objective for the Union during the Civil War. This action was part of a broader strategy to cut the Confederacy's supply lines and diminish its ability to wage war. Capturing Atlanta was crucial not only for its transportation and supply resources but also for boosting Northern morale and support for the war effort.

Sherman's campaign culminated in the Battle of Atlanta, which took place in July 1864. Winning this battle solidified the Union's control over a key city in the South and was instrumental in helping President Abraham Lincoln secure re-election later that year. Therefore, Sherman's action in May 1864 represented a pivotal moment in the Union's military strategy and had significant implications for the outcome of the Civil War.