Chapter 4: The War for Independence

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key people, places, and events from the Yorktown and southern campaigns of the American Revolution.

Yorktown

The 1781 siege in Virginia where American and French forces forced Cornwallis's surrender, effectively ending major fighting in the Revolutionary War.

Friedrich von Steuben

Prussian drillmaster who trained American troops at Valley Forge, turning raw troops into a disciplined, effective fighting force.

Marquis de Lafayette

French aristocrat who joined Washington's staff, helped secure French aid, and commanded troops at Yorktown.

Charles Cornwallis

British general who commanded in the South and at Yorktown; his surrender in 1781 helped end the war.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Peace treaty recognizing American independence and setting the new nation's boundaries; left questions about Native American lands and British evacuations unresolved.

egalitarianism

Belief in the equality of all people that arose during and after the Revolution, though initially extended mainly to white men.

Benedict Arnold

American general who defected to the British, attempted to surrender West Point, and was branded a traitor.

Nathanael Greene

American general who split his forces to harass Cornwallis in the South and coordinated with Morgan at Cowpens and Guilford Court House.

Daniel Morgan

American general who defeated Tarleton at Cowpens, helping to wear down the British in the Carolinas.

Banastre Tarleton

British lieutenant colonel defeated by Morgan at Cowpens; known for aggressive pursuit of American forces.

Cowpens

January 1781 battle in South Carolina where Morgan's disciplined American forces defeated a larger British detachment.

Guilford Court House

March 1781 battle in North Carolina; Cornwallis won but suffered heavy losses, weakening his army ahead of Yorktown.

Valley Forge

The 1777–1778 winter camp where American troops endured hardship but improved in discipline under leaders like von Steuben.