How did John Bell Hood's strategy around Atlanta differ from Joseph E. Johnston's strategy?

The strategic approaches of General Joseph E. Johnston and General John Bell Hood during the Atlanta Campaign differed fundamentally in their philosophy toward combat and movement.

• Joseph E. Johnston: His strategy was characterized by caution and a defensive posture. Throughout the campaign, he engaged in a series of strategic retreats, utilizing flanking maneuvers to pull his army back toward the defenses of Atlanta while avoiding a decisive, large-scale confrontation that might risk the destruction of his force. This persistent withdrawal frustrated Confederate leadership, ultimately leading to his removal from command.12

• John Bell Hood: In contrast, Hood was known for his aggressive, "fighting" temperament. Upon replacing Johnston, he abandoned the defensive strategy in favor of taking the battle directly to Union forces at every opportunity. Hood launched a series of bold, offensive attacks around Atlanta, such as at Peachtree Creek and the Battle of Atlanta. However, these efforts were often poorly coordinated and undermanned, resulting in heavy Confederate casualties and failing to halt the Union advance.312

Ultimately, while Johnston sought to preserve his army through retreat, Hood’s aggressive tactics aimed to force a victory but instead depleted his forces, leading to the eventual abandonment of Atlanta.132