The Yorktown Campaign of 1781
This page provides resources on Now or Never, a 23 minute film that covers the the Franco-American alliance, the Battle of Yorktown, and the end of the American Revolution. Use these resources to view the film, learn more about the Revolutionary War, and find incredible source materials!
Watch the Full Film
Click to watch the full film of Now or Never: The Yorktown Campaign of 1781
Interactive Yorktown Map
Use this link to access a French map depicting the Yorktown campaign!
Interactive Revolutionary War Timeline
Click to explore a timeline on the American Revolution!
Before Yorktown
Washington allied with French leaders and knew he had to attack the British. But where exactly would he strike? Would he commit to attacking New York, or decide to go to Virginia?
Preparing for Yorktown
Washington and Rochambeau decided to move south. They needed to hide their plans from the British, all while preparing for battle. Could such a risky move be done?
The Battle of Yorktown
George Washington finally fought in the Battle of Yorktown in October of 1781. It was a difficult battle with many men, supplies, and logistics to navigate.
The Surrender at Yorktown
After many days of hard fighting, General Cornwallis and the British surrendered to George Washington and Rochambeau, a sign that the end of the American Revolution was near.
Primary Sources
Explore these Primary Sources on the Battle of Yorktown
- General George Washington
- Smallpox Innocluation
- A Sketch Near the Battle of Camden
- Bunker Hill
- Charleston Ruins
- French Map of New York
- George Washington to Benjamin Tallmadge
- George Washington to John Laurens (Founders Online)
- The Siege of Savannah
- Map - the Entrance to the Chespeake
- The Sea Battle
- Ordering Rations
- Rations Denied
- Naval Forces Chart
- The Marquis de Lafayette to Washington, 1781
- French Map of Yorktown
- George Washington to Thomas McKean
- A Plan of Yorktown
- French Yorktown Battle Plans
- John Parke Custis to Martha Washington about Yorktown
- General Washington's Stepson
- Yorktown Articles of Capitulation
- The Treaty of Paris
- Paintings of the Surrender at Yorktown
- General Washington's Map
Secondary Sources
Explore these Secondary Sources on the Battle of Yorktown
- The American Revolution
- American Revolution Resources
- Continental Army
- General Cornwallis
- Comte de Rochambeau
- Battles that Washington Fought In
- The Southern Strategy
- Planning for New York
- Washington: Spymaster
- The Culper Spy Ring
- The Battle of the Chesapeake (Virginia Capes)
- The Yorktown Campaign
- Music in Battle
- Military Weapons
- Yorktown Fife and Drum
- Resignation of Commission
Teaching the Battle of Yorktown
This helpful section includes vocabulary terms, inquiry questions, a graphic organizer, further reading, and much more. Click the link below to access resources for teachers!
Watch Now or Never
Learn how Washington successfully led American forces to victory at the Battle of Yorktown, resulting in the end of the Revolutionary War.
This project was funded through a grant approved by the Americana Corner Preserving America Grant Program
