AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Battle of Yorktown & Treaty of Paris (Day 54/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of the Battle of Yorktown and the Treaty of Paris in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Overview of the capitulation of the British army at Yorktown, with the blockade of the French squadron Wikimedia Commons

In the fall of 1781, the last major battle of the Revolutionary War occurred at Yorktown, Virginia. American and French troops surrounded the British army, bombarded their encampment, and prevented them from receiving supplies.

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, Wikimedia Commons

After three weeks, Lord Cornwallis surrendered. The Battle of Yorktown highlights the critical role of European alliances. This decisive American victory and British financial and diplomatic challenges, led to productive negotiations to end the war.

Last Page of the Treaty of Paris, Wikimedia Commons

On September 3, 1783, the terms of the Treaty of Paris were finally agreed upon. The most important aspect was that Britain officially recognized the independence and sovereignty of the United States.

Territorial evolution of North America of non-native nation states from 1750 to 2008 Wikimedia Commons

The treaty also specified agreements related to territorial boundaries, rights of Loyalists, withdrawal of British troops, fishing rights, and the resolution of debts. 

The American victory at the Battle of Yorktown highlighted the importance of European allies and led to end of war negotiations. In the Treaty of Paris, American independence was finally recognized and agreements were made regarding postwar territory and rights.

Join me tomorrow as I explain the Domestic Impact of Independence on Slavery in our next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!