Siege of Yorktown

Definition

The Siege of Yorktown was a decisive military confrontation during the American Revolutionary War, occurring from September 28 to October 19, 1781. This event marked the last major battle of the conflict, where American and French forces successfully besieged British General Cornwallis's troops, leading to their surrender. The victory at Yorktown effectively sealed the fate of British attempts to suppress the American Revolution and encouraged negotiations for peace.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The siege was initiated after American and French forces surrounded Cornwallis's troops on land while a French fleet blocked any escape by sea.
2. The successful coordination between American forces under General Washington and French forces under General Rochambeau was crucial to the siege's success.
3. Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown effectively ended major fighting in the colonies, though formal peace negotiations took time.
4. The outcome of the siege boosted morale among American revolutionaries and solidified international support for their cause.
5. The Siege of Yorktown is often considered the turning point in the war that led to eventual British recognition of American independence.

Review Questions

• How did the Siege of Yorktown illustrate the effectiveness of international alliances during the Revolutionary War?
  • The Siege of Yorktown showcased the significant impact of international alliances, particularly between America and France. The collaboration between General Washington's Continental Army and General Rochambeau's French troops demonstrated strategic unity in military operations. This alliance not only provided additional manpower but also essential naval support, effectively encircling Cornwallis's forces and ensuring a decisive victory that would not have been possible without this cooperation.
• Evaluate how the surrender at Yorktown influenced British political and military strategy in the following years.
  • The surrender at Yorktown led to a significant shift in British political and military strategy as it marked a clear defeat in their efforts to maintain control over the colonies. In the aftermath, British leaders began to reconsider their approach to the conflict, leading to calls for negotiation rather than continued military engagement. This defeat prompted discussions within Parliament about ending hostilities, ultimately culminating in peace negotiations that recognized American independence.
• Assess the long-term implications of the Siege of Yorktown on U.S. foreign policy and military relations post-Revolution.
  • The Siege of Yorktown had lasting implications for U.S. foreign policy and military relations after the Revolution. It established a precedent for future military cooperation with allies, particularly France, which was instrumental in securing victory during the war. The victory demonstrated to potential allies that America could succeed against Britain, fostering relationships that would be vital in later conflicts. This foundational experience also shaped U.S. foreign policy towards favoring alliances that would ensure national security and independence on the global stage.

Related terms

General Cornwallis: British Army officer who commanded British forces during the Siege of Yorktown, ultimately surrendering his army to American and French forces.

French Alliance: The formal agreement between the United States and France in 1778, which provided military support to the American cause against Britain, playing a critical role in the victory at Yorktown.

Treaty of Paris 1783: The agreement that officially ended the Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and setting boundaries for the new nation.