Battle of Kennesaw Mountain: what was the outcome (June 27, 1864)?

• A. Union victory
• B. Battle canceled
• C. Confederate victory
• D. Draw

Answer: (C)

The key idea is recognizing the immediate result of the battle: the Union could not break the Confederate defenses and failed to dislodge them from their high ground on and around Kennesaw Mountain. Union forces under Sherman launched a frontal assault on June 27, 1864, but the Confederates were well-fortified and defended the position effectively, inflicting heavy casualties and holding the line. Because the objective of quickly breaking through those defenses was not achieved, Sherman chose not to press another direct attack and instead continued the Atlanta Campaign by maneuvering around the Confederate positions. On the battlefield, the Confederates held their ground, making this outcome a Confederate victory in the immediate sense. The campaign would continue toward Atlanta, which the Union would eventually capture later that year.