The Revolutionary War was one of the biggest wars in American history. Major battles were overcome and won by Americans, even when their morale and resources were low. Yorktown was the greatest victory for America in the Revolutionary War, this battle lead to the defeat of the British and the establishment of a new society in America. The Battle of Yorktown is the most significant battle won in the Revolutionary War due to the events it set into place in America’s need for independence.
Yorktown was settled in the 1600s and was used as a direct port to send tobacco and other supplies to Europe. (Greene, 24). Once the need for tobacco began to slow down the port was put out of commission. (Greene, 24). Yorktown was just a small peninsula, occupied by a sleepy town, but was awoken when British forces made camp. Yorktown was nothing major …show more content…
Now Cornwallis had backed himself up into a corner and was about to pay for it. While Cornwallis had his troops fortifying the town, Americans were preparing to defeat the general and his army. George Washington had been waiting in New York, awaiting the arrival of the large French fleet. (Higginbotham, Witoski, 1). While Washington was waiting for the fleet, General Layfette sent small groups of militia to stake out and watch Cornwallis’ army as they dug sand and cut down trees to make stakes. (Greene, 69). Layfette determined that this would be the main post for Cornwallis due to all the fortifying his army saw. Cornwallis was oblivious to the American presence that was getting closer to him, but instead he just focused on his fortifying and making plans for his future navy. Cornwallis got a wakeup call during late August, when Admiral de Grasse landed ships at the mouth of Chesapeake bay, carrying a large amount of French soldiers. (Green, 29). Troops continued pouring in, closing in on Cornwallis, who was about to be in the fight of his