Overview
This lecture covers the final phase of the American War of Independence, focusing on the British southern strategy, the Yorktown campaign, and the Treaty of Paris (1783) that ended the conflict.
The British Southern Strategy
- In late 1778, the British implemented a "southern strategy" to capture southern colonies and squeeze the U.S. from north and south.
- The British assumed strong Loyalist support in the southern colonies, which was overestimated.
- British forces captured Savannah, Georgia in December 1778 and Charlestown, South Carolina in May 1780.
- The capture of Charlestown resulted in the loss of over 5,000 American defenders.
- After the Battle of Camden in August 1780, the British controlled Georgia and most of South Carolina.
- Harsh British tactics and encouragement of Native attacks alienated both Loyalists and settlers, aiding the American cause.
American Response and Shift in Momentum
- Nathanael Greene was appointed to command the Continental Army in the South in late 1780.
- Greene used hit-and-run tactics to engage and frustrate British forces.
- The Americans won the Battle of Cowpens in early 1781, dealing a blow to Cornwallis.
- Though losing the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in March 1781, Greene’s forces inflicted heavy casualties on the British.
- Cornwallis decided that controlling Virginia was necessary to regain the Carolinas.
The Yorktown Campaign
- Cornwallis moved his army to Yorktown, Virginia in September 1781, seeking to cut American supply lines.
- French military support began arriving in 1780 under General Rochambeau.
- A French fleet under Admiral de Grasse arrived at Chesapeake Bay and defeated the British navy at the Battle of the Chesapeake.
- American and French forces surrounded Cornwallis at Yorktown, beginning the siege in late September 1781.
- Cornwallis surrendered on October 17, 1781, marking the decisive American victory.
The Treaty of Paris (1783)
- After Yorktown, British willingness to continue the war vanished.
- Negotiations began in Paris with U.S. diplomats Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams.
- The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783.
- Britain recognized U.S. independence and set the Mississippi River as the western boundary.
- The treaty validated debts owed to British merchants and promised British withdrawal from occupied U.S. territories.
- Some boundaries and British evacuation were left vague, leading to future disputes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Loyalists — American colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the Revolution.
- Southern Strategy — British plan to defeat the Americans by capturing southern colonies.
- Battle of Yorktown — Final major battle where the British surrendered to combined American and French forces.
- Treaty of Paris (1783) — Peace agreement that ended the American Revolution and recognized U.S. independence.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the significance of the Treaty of Paris (1783) and its major provisions.
- Prepare for discussion on the broader significance of the American Revolution for U.S. development.