Chapter 6: The American Revolution Lesson 4: The Final Years

Victory at Yorktown

Charles Cornwallis George Washington Marquis de Layfette Anthony Wayne Washington sent Lafayette and General Anthony Wayne to fight Cornwallis at Yorktown.

Comte de Rochambeau In 1780, French general, Comte de Rochambeau arrived in Rhode Island with 5,000 French troops (but were blocked by British ships) in an effort to attack New York.

Washington was waiting for the second French fleet when he heard Adm Washington was waiting for the second French fleet when he heard Adm. Francois de Grasse was going to Virginia instead of New York. He quickly set out for Yorktown. Francois de Grasse

George Washington Comte de Rochambeau Washington ordered Lafayette, Rochambeau, and De Grasse to all meet him at Yorktown. Marquis de Layfette Francois de Grasse

The secret attack worked The secret attack worked. General Cornwallis and his 7,500 troops were surrounded.

The Battle of Yorktown did not end the war, but it was near the beginning of the end as the British realized it was no longer worth the fight.

Independence Achieved

Treaty of Paris 1783 This treaty ended the war officially. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay were representatives for the United States. This treaty forced the British to recognize the United States as an independent nation.

Treaty of Paris 1783 The United States got all of the land from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and from Canada to Florida. The British promised to remove all of their troops.

Farewell, Washington In December of 1783, George Washington resigned from the Army now that the war was over. ”With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take my leave of you.” - General George Washington

How did the Americans win? Fought at home and for a life and death cause Used “guerilla warfare” and ambushes Help from France and Spain Britain relied on sea support too much Britain could seize cities, but could not control them

“Men are born and remain free and equal in rights.” The American Revolution inspired the French (1789) and Haitain (1804) Revolutions.