Why did William Tecumseh Sherman suffer heavy losses at Kennesaw Mountain?

General William Tecumseh Sherman suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain on June 27, 1864, because he abandoned his usual strategy of maneuvering to outflank his opponent and instead ordered a direct frontal assault against the entrenched Confederate forces.1

Throughout the Atlanta Campaign, Sherman and Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston engaged in a series of tactical maneuvers. While Sherman frequently attempted to swing around the Confederate flanks, Johnston consistently anticipated these moves and retreated to new defensive positions to thwart him. Frustrated by this "cat-and-mouse" game, Sherman’s patience snapped, leading him to launch the frontal attack at Kennesaw Mountain. Johnston’s forces, well-prepared in their defensive positions, successfully repulsed the Union troops, inflicting significant casualties.12