Battle of the Chesapeake
Off the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, USA
What happened
A French fleet under the Comte de Grasse fought a British fleet under Sir Thomas Graves. Near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, the two fleets spent hours manoeuvring before a short fight of about two hours. Only parts of each fleet fully engaged, and the fighting stopped at sunset. The British ships took more damage and could not break through.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The British navy could not rescue or supply Lord Cornwallis's army at Yorktown. French control of the sea helped force Cornwallis to surrender, a turning point in the American Revolution.
What came next
Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown in October 1781, just as a British relief fleet was setting out. The 1783 Treaty of Paris recognised American independence.
Did you know?
George Washington later wrote to de Grasse that 'the navy must have the casting vote in the present contest.'
Timeline
- 5 September 1781Battle of the Chesapeake.
- October 1781Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown.
- April 1782Rodney defeats and captures de Grasse at the Saintes.
- 1783Treaty of Paris.