6.4 The Final Years

The French Join the Fight In July of 1780, French warships brought

thousands of soldiers commanded by Comto de Rochambeau

Rochambeau joined up with General Washington to attack Yorktown, VA

Yorktown Washington and his

French allies defeated General Cornwallis at Yorktown Virginia

American and French forces begain a siege of Yorktown

Siege- blocked off supply and escape routes

This defeat was significant in that: It convinced the British

that the war was too costly to continue to fight

The Treaty of Paris 1783 Great Britain and America

signed a peace treaty called the “Treaty of Paris”

Ratified (approved) in 1783

Years of war: 1776-1783

Terms of the Treaty of Paris 1783 Terms

GB recognized US as an independent nation GB promised to withdraw troops from Am

territory GB gave US fishing rights to Canadian waters US promised to pay British merchants what

they owed US promised to return property to loyalists

Why Britain Lost American advantages:

Fought on their own land Britain supply line too

long and slow Used guerilla tactics (hit

and run) French and Spanish help Popular movement

(fighting spirit) Conditions for patriot

victory more achievable than Britain’s conditions of victory

Tactics British vs Colonial

Tactics British- fought a

conventional war Colonists- waged a

“hybrid war” Sometimes used guerilla

tactics (ambushes- surprise attacks) Used to weaken and

demoralize British before larger, more decisive battles

Also fought conventionally at times

Conspiracy against Congress Time in between end of fighting and the

signing of the peace treaty, Washington’s army went unpaid.

Soldiers threatened a revolt. Washington kept the soldiers patient,

and appealed to congress to pay the soldiers.

What did this show about Washington?

Washington’s Farewell December 4th 1783,

Washington says goodbye to his troops at a pub in NYC

Washington returns to Mt. Vernon, VA where he planned to live out his days quietly in retirement.

That did not happen however