September 28 to October 19, 1781

Definition

The period from September 28 to October 19, 1781, marks the time of the Siege of Yorktown, a pivotal event in the American Revolutionary War where American and French forces laid siege to British General Cornwallis's troops. This confrontation led to the British surrender, significantly weakening their hold on the American colonies and paving the way for eventual American independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Siege of Yorktown was a combined effort by American and French forces, demonstrating the effectiveness of their alliance in the Revolutionary War.
2. On October 14, 1781, American forces launched a decisive assault on British defenses, leading to a significant breach in Cornwallis's lines.
3. The British surrender on October 19, 1781, resulted in over 7,000 British troops being captured, marking one of the largest defeats for Britain in the war.
4. The victory at Yorktown effectively ended major military operations in the Revolutionary War and shifted negotiations towards peace.
5. Following the siege, news of the British defeat spread rapidly throughout the colonies, boosting morale and support for independence among Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the strategies employed during the Siege of Yorktown contribute to its success for American and French forces?
  • The strategies used during the Siege of Yorktown involved meticulous planning and coordination between American and French troops. They effectively utilized artillery to bombard British defenses while also cutting off Cornwallis's supply lines. By encircling Yorktown, they created an untenable situation for British forces, demonstrating tactical prowess that ultimately led to Cornwallis’s surrender.
• Discuss the role of French military support during the Siege of Yorktown and how it influenced the outcome of the battle.
  • French military support was crucial during the Siege of Yorktown, as it provided additional troops and naval power that helped contain British forces. The coordination between French General Rochambeau and American General Washington exemplified effective collaboration. The presence of French ships in Chesapeake Bay prevented British reinforcements from arriving, sealing Cornwallis's fate and ensuring a decisive victory for the allies.
• Evaluate the significance of the Siege of Yorktown in terms of its impact on subsequent peace negotiations and the broader Revolutionary War context.
  • The Siege of Yorktown had profound significance as it marked a turning point in the Revolutionary War by demonstrating that British forces could be decisively defeated. The overwhelming victory not only boosted American morale but also pressured Britain to reconsider its strategy in America. As a result, it set the stage for peace negotiations leading to the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which formally recognized American independence and reshaped global political dynamics.

Related terms

Siege: A military tactic where forces surround a town or building to cut off essential supplies, forcing a surrender.

General Cornwallis: A British Army officer who commanded British forces during the Siege of Yorktown and ultimately surrendered to American and French forces.

French Alliance:

The formal alliance between France and the American colonies that provided military support against Britain during the Revolutionary War.