Battle of Yorktown (1781)

The Battle of Yorktown (1781) was a victory by a combined American and French force led by General George Washington and the Comte de Rochambeau over a British army commanded by General Lord Charles Cornwallis. The surrender of Cornwallis' army caused the British government to negotiate an end to the American Revolutionary War.

Background

When General Rochambeau met General Washington in Wethersfield, Connecticut on 22 May 1781 to determine their strategy against the British, they made plans to move against New York City, which was occupied by about 10,000 men under General Sir Henry Clinton, the overall British commander.

Related Topics:
Wethersfield, Connecticut - 22 May - 1781 - New York City - Sir Henry Clinton

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Meanwhile, word had come from General Lafayette in Virginia that Cornwallis had taken up a defensive position at Yorktown, Virginia, next to the York River. Cornwallis had been campaigning in the southern colonies and had cut a wide swath, but his 7,000 troops were now tired and in need of supplies. Under instructions from Clinton, Cornwallis moved the army to Yorktown in order to link up with the British Royal Navy.

Related Topics:
General Lafayette - Virginia - Yorktown, Virginia - York River - Royal Navy

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On 14 August 1781, Washington received news that French Admiral de Grasse, stationed in the West Indies, was sailing with his fleet to the Chesapeake Bay. The New York campaign was quickly abandoned. If they moved quickly, the Americans and French might be able to trap Cornwallis's army at Yorktown.

Related Topics:
14 August - 1781 - Admiral de Grasse - West Indies - Chesapeake Bay

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