The Final Years Learning Objective: Identify what helped the Patriots win independence
Battle of Yorktown American and French troops bombard Yorktown with cannon fire. Cornwallis is trapped October 19, 1781 – Cornwallis surrenders
Last major battle of the war British leaders are forced to resign New leaders begin to negotiate a peace treaty - Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams represent US Treat of Paris signed September 3, 1783
Treaty of Paris Agreement between US and Britain to end the war Great Britain recognized the US as an independent nation Promised to remove all troops from American territory Gave Americans fishing rights off the coast of Canada
Conspiracy Against Congress Army is not disbanded until peace treaty is signed Soldiers angry about not being paid threatened force against Congress Washington asks soldiers to be patient and urges Congress to meet their demands to protect the new nation Congress agreed
Washington November, 1783 – last British troops leave New York City December 4 – Washington says good-bye to his troops Formally resigns his position and returns home to Mount Vernon, Virginia
Why Americans Won Knew the land, help from other countries Victory depended on the determination and spirit of all Patriots
Summary Why did Washington keep his plan to march south to Virginia a secret? Why did Cornwallis choose to surrender at Yorktown? What was the Treaty of Paris? Activity suggestions: illustrate the battle at Yorktown; create an announcement declaring the end of the war; show resigning at Congress