Siege Of Yorktown Summary
resupply stifled British attempts to deliver the crippling blow after securing multiple early decisive victories. (McCoy, 2012)
Condition and Morale: Throughout the war, General Washington struggled with significant woes over the condition and morale of his struggling Army. In 1781, Washington realized the dismay of his Army grow after Lord Cornwallis’ successful southern campaign. (Perkins, n.d.)
Tactical Overview
Size and Composition: The Franco-American army arrived at the mouth of Yorktown with a combined ground force of slightly more than 1,000 troops. French Admiral Francois Joseph Paul’s fleet of 29 ships and 3,000 troops proved vital in providing the offensive with the necessary maritime supremacy. Lord Cornwallis commanded approximately 8,000 total troops with a majority of professional …show more content…
The Franco-American Army began trench line construction approximately 800 yards from the British defenses in preparation for the siege. (Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, 2014)General Cornwallis’s concerns throughout the encroachment remained evident, and he sent multiple correspondences to General Clinton requesting reinforcements. General Washington utilized violent storming on the night of 6 October to continue the completion of the 1st Parallel.
Next Key Phase – Decisive Shelling: The smell of gunpowder filled the air on the morning of October 9th, as French and American artillery engaged British counterparts to soften up their defenses. After two continuous days of bombardment, Franco-American shelling succeeded in eliminating the bulk of British long-range munitions in preparation for an assault. General Cornwallis’ desperation also amplified following messages indicating the departure delay of gravely needed reinforcements from General Clinton’s New York City Garrison. (Clarke,
Condition and Morale: Throughout the war, General Washington struggled with significant woes over the condition and morale of his struggling Army. In 1781, Washington realized the dismay of his Army grow after Lord Cornwallis’ successful southern campaign. (Perkins, n.d.)
Tactical Overview
Size and Composition: The Franco-American army arrived at the mouth of Yorktown with a combined ground force of slightly more than 1,000 troops. French Admiral Francois Joseph Paul’s fleet of 29 ships and 3,000 troops proved vital in providing the offensive with the necessary maritime supremacy. Lord Cornwallis commanded approximately 8,000 total troops with a majority of professional …show more content…
The Franco-American Army began trench line construction approximately 800 yards from the British defenses in preparation for the siege. (Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, 2014)General Cornwallis’s concerns throughout the encroachment remained evident, and he sent multiple correspondences to General Clinton requesting reinforcements. General Washington utilized violent storming on the night of 6 October to continue the completion of the 1st Parallel.
Next Key Phase – Decisive Shelling: The smell of gunpowder filled the air on the morning of October 9th, as French and American artillery engaged British counterparts to soften up their defenses. After two continuous days of bombardment, Franco-American shelling succeeded in eliminating the bulk of British long-range munitions in preparation for an assault. General Cornwallis’ desperation also amplified following messages indicating the departure delay of gravely needed reinforcements from General Clinton’s New York City Garrison. (Clarke,