Atlanta ReconstructedHaving been a gateway to and from the Southern economy and businesses before and during the war, Atlanta apparently sealed its fate by becoming a strategic target for a union offensive. In an effort to cripple the Confederate forces' supply line, General Sherman chose to finish destroying the already war-torn city. When Union forces finally left Atlanta, it was little more than a desolate wasteland. There is no doubt that Sherman had achieved the union's goal and sent a clear message to the Confederates. With the end of the Civil War, Atlanta served as a project and model for the entire population of the South. Whites and blacks quickly invaded the city and reconstruction began at an astonishing pace. Southern whites, seemingly relieved at the war's end, wasted no time in creating an environment that met their needs. Four railroads were the centerpiece of Atlanta's vibrant new economy. Soon, Atlanta surpassed its prewar status in both area and size. The Reconstruction Act of 1867 provided a military presence in Atlanta that ensured the safety of black people. Like the rest of the freedmen of the South, blacks invaded the city to escape the plantations and seek a better life. The white population took a different approach than other parts of the South, seeming to ignore the ever-growing black population. Jobs were scarce for Freedmen, and although making up nearly half of Atlanta's population, blacks found themselves far below the standard of living of whites. Because of the military presents, whites simply focused their energies on making their city and themselves more comfortable and wealthier than ever. In 1868, Atlanta became the new Capitol, furthering the goal of making it the heart and soul of Georgia. With the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, blacks gained the right to vote. This, while powerful in appearance, had little effect on the segregation adopted by Atlanta's white population. Black voters strengthened the Republican Party's presence, but not enough to outweigh that of the Democrats. As Atlanta's growth slowed and the military presence disappeared, blacks left the inner city to seek refuge on the outskirts of the city. Atlanta had apparently achieved its goals. He welcomed Northerners with open arms, but dealt with blacks by simply pushing them aside. Over time, blacks and whites simply lived separately from each other..