Battle Of Yorktown Research Papers

The Battle of Yorktown

Throughout the beginning of time, the American people have seen many different and damaging battles. All battles have cost the United States the lives of numerous soldiers, have been extremely costly, and made foreign enemies. The Battle of Yorktown was a battle that, for the Revolutionary war, was a turning point for the United States. The battle started on September 28, 1781 and lasted until October 19, 1781. The campaign for the United States to achieve their independence from Great Britain was the leading event that started the battle.

Starting on April 19, 1775, George Washington and the Revolutionary Army started their campaign for separation and independence from Great Britain. The British, led by Major General Lord Cornwallis had just seized Yorktown and Gloucester, two towns on each side of the York River. Three years prior, the United States (U.S.) and the French signed a treaty of alliance. Until the campaign to siege Yorktown, the U.S. and the French had never fought in a war together. The U.S. and French planned a two-way attack, one by land and one by sea.

Cornwallis also sent 350 British troops that night to attack the allied fortifications and spike (a process in which the torch holes of the cannons are plugged with a metal stake) French and American cannons. By morning, the French were able to drive out the British and repair all cannons. The American and French doubled their efforts to bombard the British into submission. Cornwallis attempted a retreat across the river on the morning of the 16th but ultimately failed due to severe squalls. Allied forces increased their cannon fire, which was bolstered by new pieces of artillery that had arrived. Cornwallis and his officers convened and on the morning of the 17th, the British sent an officer and drummer bearing a white handkerchief to surrender (Eccleston,