@@roscojenkins7451 same. I know I shouldn't say this but I feel for Arnold. Had he waited just a little bit longer he would have seen how much Washington respected him history would have turned out differently for sure
@@metalman7791 Benedict Arnold was the hero of Saratoga, a major turning point of the war, and due to the corruption and favoritism of the Continental Congress, his defection to the British, while unforgivable is certainly understandable.
Honestly, I don't fault Benedict Arnold. He did some good for the Americans, however people kept stealing credit from him, so of course he felt unappreciated in his efforts and turned sides.
Another factor why Cornwallis needed to retire to a fortification: his cavalry was mostly annihilated at the Battle of Cowpens. He pretty much lost his ability to scout and gather intelligence. Also, is the only available portrait of Lord North the one shown in this video? He looks like he was painted immediately after he learned about the defeat.
The Revolutionary War was a failure of politics, Cornwallis had already lost the day he disembarked with his Army. Had the declaration of 1776 been thwarted by careful diplomacy with those avaricious Colonial Governors, and the mercantile class, then it may well have been quietly forgotten or delayed. But the rot had already set, and opposition to London and King Geoge's punitive taxes had given rise to local anger and that fed the growing discontent.
This was great. I live in Virginia. When you leave my neighborhood, just a few miles up the road you will see signs letting you know you’re following the “Washington-Rochambeau Route,” the actual route they took from Portsmouth to Yorktown. When we go to the beach, we usually go to Yorktown Beach. It was there that I just by happenstance was able to see a replica of L’Hermione, the ship that brought the Marquis de Lafayette to America. Despite living somewhere surrounded by this very story AND being an incredibly huge history buff, you have taught me details about the battle that I hadn’t heard before. Well done.
Wow! Thanks Simon. I knew none of all the details of this battle and all the details of the final surrender of the British. Blame my schooling. Somewhere in the 70s, the Revolutionary War in the education system, was, at best, glossed over. Great video! Loving this new channel!
Ahhh Simon forgot to mention that De Grasse couldn't have even sailed without Spanish gold. France was bankrupt before the war was even over, and Spain footed the bill for a lot. Spain of course took advantage of this to take some of the locations they lost during the French and Indian war (Like Florida) There is even the story of the Cuban upper crust having a pass around of the hat to pay the fleet in Havannah. And that it was rich ladies' charitable donations of their jewels. How much that's true is under question, but the fact Spain financed the Yorktown campaign is pretty assured.
Come on Simon, everyone in the United States remembers the Marquess of Rockingham fondly. They even named a county seat after him in North Carolina. Good man he was. All British troops weren't off U.S. soil until much later. To continue to be a pain in our behind they remaind in a lot of forts in the old northwest territory. The Ohio, Indiana, Michigan area encouraging native raids.
I was kind of chuckling as I was listening to this as I was on my way to Nathanael Greene's tomb to start a ghost tour. Your writer missed a detail that I've always found interesting. Cornwallis called in sick on the day of the formal surrender, so he sent his second in command to surrender to Washington and Lafayette, but Nathanael Greene was kind enough to make a house call to retrieve Cornwallis' sword.
For you Americans ever visiting the UK, no hard feelings. It was a shame to lose you there and then haha, but rest assured it's NOT something we in the least bit resent to this day haha. 😅🇬🇧🇺🇸 Been allies ever since have we not? Yes I myself. have been to the states, only Florida - stayed for 1 month Loved it 🌴👍👍
Coming from someone who has been to Yorktown, I can confirm that it is indeed sacred ground. Like Gettysburg, it’s almost like you can see the battle taking place, as if the ghosts of soldiers past return to the field they once turned red. Truly a place to put on your bucket list.
27 year native of Yorktown, it is quite ominous to be out there in the fields, plenty of ghost stories (and personal "encounters") as well. The fields are somehow beautiful and terrifying at the same time. The fact that you have pretty much free reign to wander almost anywhere amongst the fields and see it all up close and person adds to that no doubt
I grew up a few minutes from the Battle of Guilford Courthouse battlefield in Greensboro, NC, and I'm skeptical about the paranormal, ghosts and such, but there's no way there's not some kind of otherworldly presence there. That battle is known for being a particularly vicious fight with an abnormally high number of casualties, especially on the British side. If you go there in the evening, especially around autumn or early spring, there's a very real, very heavy feeling.
@@cleverusername9369 it’s got to be something with our areas being home to two extremely vicious war closely after one another. Knowing your walking over top of those sights just changes your whole mood
I always equate Yorktown to the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, the British could have carried on and did for a while as the Americans did in fact in Vietnam, but they were important turning points in the respective wars, and basically sapped the desire to carry on fighting.
The reason Washington was hesitant to attack Yorktown: it was a huge risk. If Clinton had any initiative or competence, the march south and lack of significant US forces in the area could've led to disaster.
Loved the description of General Arnold! How about covering the War of 1812, you've got New Orleans, Ft McHenry and the sack of Washington just to name a few.
The man crush on Benedict Arnold was both appropriate for a Brit, and comical. Have you ever seen Turn: Washington's Spies? A great show from a few years back that nobody watched. Perhaps, one day, you could do a segment about these spies.
The main character is, I believe his name is Jamie Bell, a British man. I believe most of the cast is British, if memory serves me correctly. Great show.
The decisive battle in the US war of Independence was Saratoga not Yorktown for me. If memory serves me right it was the first large scale conventional battle success for the fledgling US. Daniel Morgan is CRIMINALLY underrated
I've always been curious, how artists got ALL those people to stand still long enough during such battles, to do those paintings. Especially the ones with a bayonet stuck into them... (eeesh) that HAD to be really uncomfortable
i've read-up in the past, and have seen/listened to the History Guy's version ofthe naval Battle of the Capes, and Yorktown land fight. I was left with the impression that de Grasse's Carriibean fleet went from it's duty station role of protection of areas French-colonial islands, to the coast of Virginia after securing permission from French naval high command. Obviously the fleet of "28 ships-o-the-line, seven Frigates and two cutters" had to have come, at least in part, from French ports. Likely then this naval fleet had originated from French ports, THEN collected up the Carribean fleet, and AFTER that event, set sail for Virginia, where it had "lucky timing" of the British Fleet's commander hesitated for a day or two, when the Brit fleet had a temporary advantage. The sea battle did not go for a long time. Shots were fired, both sides lost some war boats, and for several days after this, both fleets sailed in the area, but without the Brit fleet being willing/able to re-start another sea battle exchange. The British navy was there to evacuate Cornwallis's land soldiers, to avoid a big land-battle loss, but the tougher French fleet efforts were key to taking the revolutionary war from total uncertainty of success, and a very likely British win, to those colonist winning the entire 6-year-long warfare campaign. And as Simon says, this sea battle was the final victory for the new US Colony's success fully gaining it's self-determined, independent country status. 👨👩👧👦
To be honest the US war of independence does not get much time in continental Europe's history lessons. It was basically: "The Boston Tea Party happened, because the taxes were too high, then there was a war, and the US got their independence. The First President was George Washington." As such I hadn't heard of any significant battle in Yorktown before, but from this video I got the feeling that the battle that was *actually* significant was the Battle of the Capes between the French and the British before that, because after that the outcome of the following battle was already more or less determined. But it would probably not sit well with US pride that the deciding battle of their war of independence was fought without their participation...
Funny, I went to a poor public school in the 80s and 90s, and we learned all about this in American history in the 8th grade. The problem isn't so much with the "revision" of history, it's with the schools focusing on S.T.E.M. subjects and making history unimportant. Not to mention most kids, even back in the day, paid very little attention in history class. So they get the crap ol' Uncle spouts off at family get togethers, or what history they get from "the history channel" talks more about aliens, pawnbrokers and pickers than actual history.
@@chiefslinginbeef3641 I'm curious what you are referring to when you say "revision" of our history. Genuinely curious, not being sarcastic. Because a lot of what I've seen put out there in the past 10-20 years is the revision. I do not think there is an educational system on planet earth that doesn't do what it can to make their nation of origin seem better, stronger or more moral than the rest. I am a history nerd, contemplated becoming a history teacher back in the day. I see what they are teaching, or should I say not teaching kids these days and it just makes me sad. I try to get as broad of a scope on any given historical event as possible. From my understanding, they barely even touch on the American Revolution in British schools. They spend more time, from my understanding, on Indian independence. Every nation tries to make themselves look better and other nations look worse. The classic "Us vs Them" crap that humans have been doing since we were living in fur tents and cutting everything with broken rocks. Edit: I believe Simon even did a video about what UK schools teach about the American war of independence as I think they call it
I don't comment as often as I should on all your videos. As when you guys hit one out of the park I just have to say I love this video. I think Arnold was an interesting guy and I feel for him ( yes I'm American)
To think stalemate was the direction all sides were at and then decisive Franco-American action led to victory with British inaction and misdirection playing the final part. Lord North's comment really summed it up.
This may be my favorite US History video and it was even better presented by a Brit. I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek humor and even learned a few new things. Arnold is always depicted as a slovenly corrupt person when he was a brilliant, aggressive-minded general who was frustrated with being overlooked for promotion by the paranoid Washington and his inner circle. Washington was not a genius or master tactician general who's previous rank was colonel of the Royal Army over 10 years earlier. Col. Washington in a way started the Seven Years War in North America by attacking a French Fort. Washington spent most of the war obsessing over Gen Clinton in NY and leading small skirmishes and a quick retreat. Luck and some assertive French commanders along with the (not mentioned in the video) Southern US generals saved the US with strategic movements and wearing down Cornwallis' army setting the stage for victory after Gen Clinton's apathy towards Cornwallis.
A petty strong argument can be made that to abandon efforts in America WAS in the best interest of the British. It was expensive, unpopular, a long way from home, and Britain faced formidable enemies closer to their own shores. In a very real sense, the American Revolution was just one theater of a much broader conflict.
I was at the site and told by a park ranger that the first American unit to make it over the last redoubt and into the British compound was black either free or guaranteed their freedom at the end of the war...I don`t know if it`s true..all I know is that`s what he said.
Fact Boy, lemme tell you: as a Yank, who just so happens to be in the military and within an hour of Yorktown (which I just visited about a month ago), your snark and sass is highly appreciated and made me laugh constantly. Thank you, as always, for top tier content 😂
When I went through BCT and AIT (OSUT) to become a Combat Engineer and after I am proud to have been an Army Sapper (Sapper School Graduate and Sapper Tab earned) I learned a lot about the lineage and ot dates back to before the Revolutionary War. The French used Sappers to dig the trench lines and also dismantle enemy fortifications. So while Simon spoke about Pioneers it makes me so proud because that is another term used to describe us. I do wish to see you guys make an in-depth video about the whole War so that others that played huge parts in the War and helped us win our independence such as Baron Von Steuben whom helped train the Continental Army and Casmir Pulaski. As always though, great work.
Lemme guess, Navy? My family moved to Newport News in the early 2000s when my dad got stationed at Langley AFB. I always hated going to the Southside, namely because the HRBT haha
Check out balckadder goes forth. It’s a British comedy and there is a bit where they talk about spy’s in the First World War ‘German spy’s playing there dirty underhand war against our brave and wonderful heroic British spies!’ Gotta love our humour!
I laughed out loud at the "slamming nuts in a drawer." I've used this expression so many times, and rarely hear anyone else use it. It's a solid favorite of mine. I use it when talking about things I'd rather do instead of watching certain movies again like The Notebook.
Simon: *tells details of one of the major battles during the American Revolution* Also Simon: *throws tons of shade on America* This American approves lol
Crossing the Delaware makes a better painting. Valley Forge and Crossing the Delaware are arguably more important events because without them the war would likely be lost. The American and French forces didn't need a victory at Yorktown as much some other events.
To think, this battle was so historic that the US Navy named a ship after it... and her name was USS Yorktown, lead ship of the Yorktown-class aircraft carriers (and both of her sisters were famous in their own right - USS Enterprise, the only ship of the sisters to survive World War 2 (and with more than 20 battle stars, no less) and USS Hornet, who launched the famous Doolittle raid against the Japanese homeland. All three sisters led the US Navy to victory at the legendary Battle of Midway.)
Not only that, when the first Yorktown, CV-5, was sunk after the Battle of Midway, a second aircraft carrier, CV-10 that was originally supposed to be named USS Bonhomme Richard, was RENAMED USS Yorktown in her honor. She still survives and lives in Charleston, SC as a museum ship. If you ever get a chance to visit the Patriots Point, you won't be disappointed, it's an excellent naval and military museum with several ships (Yorktown, Laffey, and Clamagore) as well as aircraft, tanks, etc. I was lucky enough to stay aboard Yorktown as a Boy Scout, incredible experience.
@@cleverusername9369 That's a pretty neat bit of trivia. Both Names (Yorktown and Bonhomme Richard) instrumental in the success of the American Revolution. (For those who don't know, the Bonhomme Richard was the name of the ship captained by Captain John Paul Jones when he fought and defeated British warships, as well as the ship Jones was aboard when he gave his famous quote, "Sir, I have not yet begun to fight!")
@@skyden24195 bringing it around full circle, I'm fairly sure Simon has done a Biographics video about the great and powerful Captain John Paul Jones. If he hasn't yet, I'm sure he'll get around to it. I know I've heard Simon talk about him at some point.
Britons never care much for turncoats .. Arnold became a general in the British army. remember that prior to July 1776, the "Americans" were "British" .. but he never really amounted to much. he was given a command during the revolutionary war, but afterwards simply descended into anonymous wilderness
Great job as always Simon and team! 🙂 Would love to see a video on the Battle of Tsushima. It's the first battle where radio played a crucial role, and only 10 out of 45 Russian ships survived. It was also only about a day long.
Two of my ancestors on my fathers side were at Yorktown. one was the fellow who actually first received the British officer and the drummer boy wishing to surrender. The other was Washington's flag bearer Guidon through out the entire conflict! He was chosen because he was taller than Washington.
Many people forget that prior the the British surrender at Singapore during WW2 the 2 greatest surrenders in British history took place 160+ years ago during the American Revolution during the battles of Saratoga and Yorktown. The British surrender at Kut during WW1 doesn't count because it is mostly made up of non-British troops (almost all were Indian troops).
Also the battle of Gazala a few months after Singapore. The siege and battle of La Rochelle in 1372, the sieges of Almeida in 1810, Bergen op Zoom in 1747, Heidelberg in 1622, Breda in 1624, Ostend in 1601 and the Cadiz expedition in 1625 are also contenders. But the explanation is simple. English and British territories were always kept relatively intact from invasions, thus the only surrenders they suffered were outside their country, so no real massive surrender before WW2.
@@lahire4943 I had to look alot of those up that you listed but it seems like in those battles the total amount of people surrendering is unknown or if the number is known the amount that are British and the amount that are their allies are unknown. Such as at Kut which I listed which while it was technically a British surrender the vast majority of the forces that surrendered were not British people but Indians.
@@PhillyPhanVinny But a third of the British army at Yorktown and almost half at Saratoga were German soldiers. La Rochelle was an English only surrenders, and Cadiz 90% English. But then it's hard to determine the proportions of British soldiers because they used to fight in coalitions. Anyway, the British suffered many more disastrous defeats and expeditions than they suffered great surrenders, as it is a matter of geography.
Simon and crew, if you see this, as an ignorant American, I don't know very much about the events in Europe that helped win the war for us. If you find time to make a focused video on one of your channels focusing on these events, like the ones you've alluded to in this video where the Spanish and Dutch got involved, I'd greatly appreciate learning more in the format y'all use. P.S. Another idea I thought of while watching this is an in-depth look at the amphibious attacks the US Marines made in the Caribbean on British territories for supplies. Or maybe a mega projects video (or series) on the history of the Marine Corps, and how we were inspired to do so after the British Royal Marines (and the various other nations' early versions like the Spanish Naval infantry). I watched Full Metal Jacket this week and just started watching The Rock (for probably the 15th time in my life) and am feeling a bit Gung-Ho, lol. Semper Fidelis!
They should teach more detailed and nuanced history of the United States in school. It would instill an appreciation and sense of identity. It seems history and civics are just glossed over. The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the three branches of government are important and should be studied and understood. I learned things about Yorktown and it's aftermath that I didn't know before. Thanks
I don’t even think it’s glossed over; it’s like pieces are selectively, and purposefully, excluded. I remember taking my first history class in college and almost feeling betrayed that teachers/textbooks/state curriculum had not given me the whole story. A literal white-washing of events.
It would be cool to see a video on King Phillips War, as there is so little content on RU-vid concerning it apart from a good video from Atun Shei, but Simon does such a good job talking about events that don't get much coverage.
Cowpens was a legit smashing victory with some tactical originality thrown it. I’m surprised you didn’t mention it, as it lead directly Cornwallis pulling back to Yorktown to reorganize and recover.
For Americans: #1 Most important battle ever. British: Who is this yorktown guy? Also, I believe even though Arnold was made a General in the British Army he was still snubbed by the other British officers as being a shady dude.
American public education is apparently terrible, because I never once heard of this in school. Ever. So this was ALL new info for me! Fascinating, and a very thorough and clear breakdown of the situation and the events. Well done!!!
Washington insisted on attacking NY because Rochambeau did not initially tell him DeGrasse would be coming up from the Caribbean. Once Rochambeau told Washington about DeGrasse's fleet Washington was all in on moving south to Yorktown. In fact Rochambeau had already requested for DeGrasse to move north to the Chesapeake before the meeting with Washington ever took place.
His pamphlet "common sense" was one of many that he wrote that began setting the stage for the revolution. My favorite Thomas Paine quote has to be; "I prefer peace, but if there must be trouble let it come in my time, so my children can live in peace." I probably butchered it, but it gets the point across.
As an American, our history books don’t give even 1/10th as much credit to the French as this video. I remember a few sentences about the Battle of the Capes. Nothing about French land forces.
I suggest that the battle was a French victory. A professional, well-trained, well-led, well-equipped French army with the experience of European siege warfare and supported by a French fleet was at Yorktown. There were almost as many American Loyalist troops as there were "white" American Continentals. "Germans" in the French army and "Germans" in the British Army and nobody wants to mention the freed slaves in the King's service.
I'd love to see this sort of treatment for the Battle of New York (comprising battles of Brooklyn and Manhattan), Aug/Sept 1776. Its full of brit warship masts turning NY harbor into a forest, green troops running away past a livid Washington, a battery officer's team dragging canon up Manhattan island ... Great narrative stuff, rarely looked at. Added bonus if they'd cover this -- the brits won, so Simon would get an opportunity to chortle.
But in the end, the true hero was Mel Gibson.. I mean i have seen that documentary hundreds of times. He singlehandedly rode with a damaged flag and rallied the army.. :D Just kidding of course. Nice video as always. :)
@@DSS-jj2cw I agree wholeheartedly. Please don't take my poor attempt at humour as belief that it was somehow historically accurate. The only thing somewhat correct are the names of certain generals and officers. (For instance Tavington and Gates)
@@anumeon I can forgive inaccuracy if it's coupled with authenticity, but that awful movie didn't even have that. The guy Mel Gibson's character was based on was such a brutal slave-owner that his slaves ran away and joined the British after he left to join the fight.
And yet.. with Yankee blood in my veins. The level of sincerity and genuine reverence for the history and the men who lived fought and died then.. coming across with a smooth English swagger accent, makes the entirety of awareness that much more grand. In the best sense possible. Homage, not humiliation
I was stations at Yorktown and never realized how important it and the battle of Chesapeake Bay were in the revolutionary war. I should have. There were plaques, placards and signs literally everywhere. (-:
