Battle of Yorktown October 19 1781 The Plot

Battle of Yorktown October 19, 1781

The Plot (and more) n n In August 1781, after more than a year of “hit and run” style fighting, the Patriots in the south push British General Cornwallis to Yorktown to try to regroup and get supplies. Cornwallis did not expect American troops to get help. The French ships blocked the harbor while Washington’s army swept in on land, cornering the British troops on the peninsula in Yorktown. The British surrender. . .

The Plot Continued n n Cornwallis is trapped on the Peninsula in Yorktown by the French Navy in Chesapeake Bay and the American and French troops coming by land. The British fight and then 7000 British soldiers surrender to Washington’s army. Americans won the war British gave unconditional surrender

Key People and Groups n n n Gen. Jean de Rochembeau-French general who led 7000 troops from New York to help the Americans Gen. Washington- led the Continental troops from North to Yorktown for final defeat of the British. Admiral De Grasse-French Admiral who led 29 war ships into the Chesapeake Bay to help Americans and block British supply ships

Key People Continued n n n Gen. Cornwallis –British general who led troops through the south to stop Patriots by getting the help of slaves and Loyalists. Gen. Lincoln- American general who accepted the sword of surrender on behalf of Washington Gen. O’Hara – who gave sword of surrender to end fighting with the Americans

Historical Importance/Significance Last battle of the revolution n British gave a ceremonial surrender with a sword n British professional army was bitterly humiliated by Washington’s “Rag-Tag” army of volunteers. n

Outcome Cornwallis is trapped, siege lasts over a month, defending fortifications, ammo & supplies run low, evacuation attempt fails n Unconditional surrender on Oct 19, 1781 n