Siege of Yorktown

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The Siege of Yorktown was a decisive military engagement that took place during the American Revolutionary War. It occurred from September 28 to October 19, 1781, in Yorktown, Virginia. The siege was a joint effort by the Continental Army led by General George Washington and the French Army commanded by General Comte de Rochambeau, against the British Army under General Charles Cornwallis.

Background

The Siege of Yorktown was the culmination of the Yorktown campaign, which aimed to trap the British forces in the Chesapeake Bay area. The British, under General Cornwallis, had fortified Yorktown, hoping to maintain a stronghold in the southern colonies. However, the combined American and French forces saw an opportunity to strike a decisive blow.

Prelude to the Siege

In the summer of 1781, General Washington and General Rochambeau coordinated their movements to converge on Yorktown. The French fleet, under the command of Admiral de Grasse, played a crucial role by defeating the British fleet at the Battle of the Chesapeake, thereby preventing British naval reinforcements from reaching Cornwallis.

The Siege

The siege began on September 28, 1781, when the allied forces encircled Yorktown. They constructed a series of trenches and fortifications to tighten the noose around the British defenses. The first parallel was completed on October 6, and the second parallel was finished by October 14, bringing the allied artillery within striking distance of the British positions.

Surrender

On October 17, 1781, after enduring heavy bombardment and realizing the futility of further resistance, General Cornwallis initiated negotiations for surrender. The formal surrender ceremony took place on October 19, 1781, effectively ending major combat operations in the American Revolutionary War.

Aftermath

The Siege of Yorktown was a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. It led to the eventual signing of the Treaty of Paris (1783), which recognized the independence of the United States. The victory at Yorktown also solidified the Franco-American alliance and demonstrated the effectiveness of joint military operations.

Legacy

The Siege of Yorktown is commemorated as a significant event in American history. The Yorktown Battlefield is now part of the Colonial National Historical Park, and the siege is remembered for its strategic importance and the cooperation between American and French forces.

Related Pages

• American Revolutionary War
• George Washington
• Charles Cornwallis
• Comte de Rochambeau
• Battle of the Chesapeake
• Treaty of Paris (1783)
• Colonial National Historical Park