Victory at Yorktown - 6/15/25

French Navy

Worked with the Continental Army to defeat the British

1780

French fought against the British navy

1781 (NYC)

First French fleet arrived but got trapped by the British

French Fleet 2

A second fleet was sent to Yorktown

Washington’s Strategy

Kept plans secret, even from his own troops

March to Yorktown

Washington led troops 200+ miles in 15 days

Surprise Attack

Washington and French forces surrounded the British

Cornwallis

Forced to surrender after being trapped by land and sea

Original Plan

Washington wanted to attack NYC but changed plans

Reason for Change

French navy was trapped near NYC, Yorktown became new target

Why Yorktown

Washington learned the British had troops stationed there

Land + Sea Trap

Patriots attacked by land, French navy blocked by sea