6.4 The Final Years
The French Join the Fight In July of 1780, French warships brought thousands of soldiers commanded by Comto de Rochambeau Rochambeau joined up with General Washington to attack Yorktown, VA
Yorktown Washington and his French allies defeated General Cornwallis at Yorktown Virginia American and French forces begain a siege of Yorktown Siege- blocked off supply and escape routes This defeat was significant in that: It convinced the British that the war was too costly to continue to fight
The Treaty of Paris 1783 Great Britain and America signed a peace treaty called the “Treaty of Paris” Ratified (approved) in 1783 Years of war:
Terms of the Treaty of Paris 1783 Terms GB recognized US as an independent nation GB promised to withdraw troops from Am territory GB gave US fishing rights to Canadian waters US promised to pay British merchants what they owed US promised to return property to loyalists
Why Britain Lost American advantages: Fought on their own land Britain supply line too long and slow Used guerilla tactics (hit and run) French and Spanish help Popular movement (fighting spirit) Conditions for patriot victory more achievable than Britain’s conditions of victory
Tactics British vs Colonial Tactics British- fought a conventional war Colonists- waged a “hybrid war” Sometimes used guerilla tactics ( ambushes- surprise attacks) Used to weaken and demoralize British before larger, more decisive battles Also fought conventionally at times
Conspiracy against Congress Time in between end of fighting and the signing of the peace treaty, Washington’s army went unpaid. Soldiers threatened a revolt. Washington kept the soldiers patient, and appealed to congress to pay the soldiers. What did this show about Washington?
Washington’s Farewell December 4 th 1783, Washington says goodbye to his troops at a pub in NYC Washington returns to Mt. Vernon, VA where he planned to live out his days quietly in retirement. That did not happen however