The capture of Yorktown may very well have been the decisive battle in the American Revolutionary War. It was in France’s interest for the Colonists to beat the British because the British were the arch enemies of the French. In helping the colonists, France saw a chance for a strategic blow to Britain.
On this day October 19th, in 1781, George Washington’s troops, with the help of French forces, captured Yorktown. In 1780, 5,500 French soldiers came to aid the war of independence against the Brits.
The Siege of Yorktown began September 28th. Many may not be aware that the United States’ first president was a prestigious general who helped win the American War of Independence. Charles Cornwallis was the British army’s general, and on October 17th he sent out a drummer with a man waving a white flag to show that they were surrendering. On October 19th the surrender was made official. This is the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War, as Britain asked for peace soon after.