The U.S. Revolutionary Naval Battle fought between Great Britain and France

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

For exclusive content and behind-the-scenes fun, join our community of fans and supporters at thehistoryguyguild.locals.com!

[@jeffreygraf3358]

My 4xGreat Grandfather was a matelot (fighting sailor) on the ship Le Blanche in DeGrasse's fleet. After the naval battle he disembarked to fight as an infantryman at the battle of Yorktown. He was seriously wounded, and missed the French fleets departure back to the West Indies. He was cared for by a private physician, recovered and fell in love with the doctor's daughter. He did not wish to return to France, so he changed his last name. He married his sweetheart, had 18 children and pushed west out on the frontier. An American by choice. A patriot, and the father and grandfather of patriots.

[@guil7290]

My 5x great grandfather captained a ship in the vanguard of the French fleet in this battle and his brother was an officier on an other ship. Might be our ancestors met !!

[@JefElder]

My 5x Great Grandfather was an ensign abord the Scipion, rearguard of the French fleet at the Chesapeake. He probably did not see a lot of action but he left us an interesting account of a naval combat against isolated English ships in the West Indies.

[@smal750]

18 children 😳

[@benjicool2808]

18 Children - how many direct descendents would that be?

[@aaronmckaig]

Okay seriously who would thumb down that video? even the artwork was good? If you don't like history than don't watch the video in the first place..

[@kineticinstallationspecial5775]

aaron mckaig people like to downvote just to go against the grain. If it makes you feel better, the KZbin analytics count them both the same. Just interactions like comments

[@SaltyTubers]

I've read three reviews on Google in the past week by people who have by their own admission never visited the place they were reviewing, but still gave it 1 star, because they had not been there yet. So, apparently the digital age is for folks of all cognizance. :) OR could have been someone from GB still bitter about being told to go home. Love these videos!

[@DColcla]

aaron mckaig I think that it may be a Brit....

[@Demicron]

English loyalist would.

[@rl2699]

It's because those people get confused very easily and since there was more than two names they got nervous and downvoted

[@batman51876]

I just found your page yesterday, and I've watched some 20+ videos of yours. I too have a love of history, so this channel is perfect for me. Thank you for these stories.

[@MikeJowsey]

Loved it! A magnificent explanation of a pivotal battle. But for the geographically-challenged, a map or two at the beginning might have helped.

[@guyfawkes9951]

I lived in Williamsburg, VA for 10 years and that area and it's history fascinate me. Yorktown, Jamestown, Williamsburg, Petersburg, Richmond. So many places so close together in that are that are so important to the history of the US and the world. All of your videos are great but thanks for doing this one in particular.

[@kenf4646]

This was an excellent story. There were so many names being thrown around it was difficult to follow. In the end I finally figured it out it was the French who fought against the British. Without the French we would not have had our independence in the United States of America. It would have been good to have some type of diagram to follow who was on who’s side.

[@thunderbird1921]

The French were definitely invaluable in the effort. We had won at Saratoga, but we lacked the ability to easily challenge British blockades or stop their massive ships from bombarding the coastlines. We were also having to extremely ration supplies due to shortages. France allying with us solved both problems, and so much more. If I remember correctly, Louisville, Kentucky is named after Louis XVI, in gratitude and remembrance of his assistance and support of America's freedom.

[@brunol-p_g8800]

Without the French there wouldn’t be the USA. To start, from day one it was French supplies in arms and powder that armed American troops, they were the ones who gave the Americans the weapons to fight, as well as the money to do so. Then the decisive battles happened when French troops arrived, they fought alongside the Americans or better said Americans fought alongside French professional soldiers and artillery, so is the case on the seas. And finally, the USA were born in France, in Paris to be exact, when on September 3 1783 the representatives of the colonies and the representatives of Great Britain signed the treaty, putting an end to the war between the colonies and Great Britain and having Great Britain recognise the independence of the United States Of America.

[@wickerman9569]

That story gave me chills. I had ancestors that fought in the American revolution war. Wish I could have herd some of there stories. Well done sir I have to give you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 for that 1.

[@alfbeef5880]

Thank you France we love you..

[@neilwilson5785]

France was a shocking authoritarian police state at that time, but as a yank, you are right to be grateful.

[@FredericGaillot]

Do you know many authoritarian police states which let people like Voltaire, Montesquieu, Diderot, Rousseau and other philosophers create the "Age of Enlightenment" ? Lafayette was not looking for money, he was a teenager who grew up in a society which was talking about freedom and justice. The USA was just what embodied the idealistic vision of society.

[@mathieuvigne7336]

@@neilwilson5785 Yes like the whole Europe, and France wasn't the most authoritarian, Louis XVI was kinda soft

[@Raisonnance.]

Merci merci on sait. 😌 Moi-même je nous aime.

[@biddyboy1570]

Alf is British. Lol

[@denniswhite166]

32 people who flunked History in HS and had to go to summer school disliked this video.

[@Space.Ghost.]

48 now. Damn common core

[@jamestheotherone742]

They don't teach this level of history in HS. According to 'Merican Hist'ry, ol' George done whipped the Red Coats all by his self.

[@helenel4126]

The flunkers should definitely be required to watch this video! And be tested on it.

[@brucewelty7684]

unenlightened bigot

[@mudflapmatt]

It’s now at 64, at least they aren’t growing exponentially.🤔

[@williamfurness9700]

You explain the battle so well, Thank you.

[@benjaminrush4443]

Simple Details that shouldn't be overlooked. Thank you.

[@JimFortune]

These days I don't think you'd name a warship "Terrible".

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I guess that depends upon the ship...

[@mikecimerian6913]

Times and meanings. Originally from French with Latin roots - terribilis. In this context to frighten. :) Bogeyman sort of thing ... good name for a warship.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Jim Fortune The USN's Zumwalt class is deserving of the name.

[@JimFortune]

WALTERBROADDUS To me, Zumwalt is the guy who let sailors grow beards.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Jim Fortune Well the DDG 1000 class is turning into a pricey bleep up. And we have one more to build. Named ironically for the guy who's Destroyers started a war. LBJ.

[@CosmasNDamian]

When I was in training for my Navy commission, this was called The Battle of Virginia Capes.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Both names are commonly used, as is simply "the Battle of the Capes."

[@CosmasNDamian]

Yup. In fact when I flew fighters in the Navy out of Oceana, our controlling agency was FACSFAC Virginia Capes. BTW, my comments are not criticisms, but rather a sharing in the discussion of history. Your videos are quite good, Sir.

[@davepratt9909]

You're lucky, when I was getting my commission it was called "current affairs" ;-)

[@th3wallac3s]

A plaque under the statue of de Grasse at Fort Story calls it Battle of the capes. They have a relay nice stone carving/sculpture depicting the battle near the Cape Henry Lighthouse.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

I have seen both names for the battle

[@almyska467]

The upper officers of the Royal Navy also suffered from the "Byng Effect" at that time. Although the execution of Admiral Byng in 1757 for not being aggressive enough was intended to increase the aggressiveness of other admirals, it actually had the opposite effect. The lesson learned by many of the upper officers was "don't venture battle unless you are 100% certain you will win, else you could be executed".

[@peletsoivre9110]

Why was Byng executed? He lost a battle? Insubordination?

[@almyska467]

Pel et Soivre The official charge was 'failing to do his utmost'. Here's a short synopsis: www.historytoday.com/richard-cavendish/execution-admiral-byng

[@richardclarke3924]

AI- sorry but that's complete rubbish, the battle of Quiberon bay Nov 1759 is a perfect example where the failings of Byng and his fate was the inspiration for the aggressive and some would have said reckless action of Hawke against the French which removed Frances invasion aspirations.

[@almyska467]

Richard-Sorry, it may be debatable, but it is not "complete rubbish". That case does not invalidate the entire proposition and is still hotly debated by historians today. Naturally aggressive commanders, like Boscowen, Saunders, and Hawke, did indeed feel empowered to become even more aggressive and with spectacular results. In the case of the events which are the subject of this video, over 20 years later, it is given as one of the reasons that Graves did not sail aggressively from New York to intercept de Barras' fleet when it departed Providence and before it could combine with de Grasse in the Chesapeake.

[@richardclarke3924]

AI, I agree that "Complete Rubbish" was probably over egging the response. That said I felt your initial comments suggested a sort of commissar style effect and paraphrasing Voltaire took the incident out of context when referring to Chesapeake some 21 years later. Also the increasing efficiency in the management, financing and provisioning of the Royal Navy was arguably far more of an impact on the ability to wage war on a more aggressive footing. Graves problems are mor per to do with the quality of the vessels at hand and that during the passage they were forced to make port for repairs. This was was the reason for his late arrival, not any lack of aggression. That said, thought the video was excellent as usual.

[@wesabaker]

As usual, thoroughly delighted, educated and entertained, all at once! Thanks History Guy!

[@burtvincent1278]

Yup I love history. I never did in school but after living through over 1/4 of U.S. history I really enjoy it now. You do a great job. Thank you.

[@Sukiicore]

I love you dude, you helped me so much on my history report. thank you so much

[@morskojvolk]

Excellent video, as usual. Thoroughly enjoying binge viewing your vids! One could write volumes about the naval history of the Chesapeake Bay (I'm sure someone has!).

[@corycollier]

Guess you could say our coming to help France in WWI & WWII was our way of saying "thanks"

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

cory collier Yeah, we repaid that debt in interest and blood.

[@greywuffzfavrr6038]

"America has joined forces with the Allied Powers, and what we have of blood and treasure are yours. Therefore it is that with loving pride we drape the colors in tribute of respect to this citizen of your great republic. And here and now, in the presence of the illustrious dead, we pledge our hearts and our honor in carrying this war to a successful issue. Lafayette, we are here." Charles E. Stanton July 4 1917 at the tomb of the Marquis de La Fayette

[@vonslagle]

Google Lafayette's toast to Washington at the Plough Tavern in York, PA. Without France, there might not have ever been a USA

[@shadowjack8]

Emphatically.

[@shadowjack8]

So easy to forget our heritage. France, Great Briton, America. Lots of growing pains. May we always remember our friends.

[@goldgeologist5320]

Wow learned something new today! Many thanks!

[@Itzmihowz]

Fascinating information. Excellently presented. Thank you

[@absentmindedprof]

During World War Two, landing craft used in amphibious operations were piloted by Coastguardsmen. One of these pilots earned the Medal of Honor. He deserves to be remembered. Tyvm!

[@spikespa5208]

History Guy did a video about that on May 25, 2020.

[@motti886]

Saw the title and thought to myself, "I can never get enough of hearing about the Battle of North Point!" and was only half paying attention while tabbed onto another screen. I heard the name Cornwallis and thought, "No, I'm pretty sure the British commander was Ross..." And then I heard George Washington and Yorktown and suddenly my full attention shifted back over. I'm surprised I've never heard about this! As a native of Maryland - though no where near the Bay - one would think this would be a more well known engagement, at least locally. Thank you for the video!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

motti886 the War of 1812 is another topic that I haven't tackled yet. So much history!

[@bigimskiweisenheimer8325]

I don't live far from Noth Point. I too haven't heard of this one. Very interesting and I think the Maryland Historical Society should bring more light to this Battle at our historical sites around town and make sure our future generations will know of this event.

[@jgood9810]

I live in Yorktown and still love our history

[@waitaminute-vw9hf]

Great channel! Especially like the history of the American Revolution.

[@BLD426]

VIVA History Guy!!

[@tonyhool1285]

This engagement is also known as the Battle of the Capes.

[@JR-qz3zt]

I really enjoy your videos. I'm no historian however, the past is fascinating to me. Thank you.

[@hughejass9461]

Another great video. Thank you! +1

[@mr.perfect8746]

Patrick O'Brian captures the corruption of the British Admiralty and how it impacted the British Navy as part of the environment of his novels.

[@neilwilson5785]

capperbar. That's what they called it, and it held back the nation tremendously.

[@michaelcharlesmiller]

I was going to make a facile joke about Jack Aubrey not being old enough for a command, but your comment is actually pertinent.

[@thomasricatte8287]

Also to be noted that it was also the opposite on the french side: the french navy had lost a lot of battles against the british in the previous 7 years war so they decided to upgrade / rebuild everything from scratch after the end of the war: reinforced training, simplified and uniformized signs between ships (which was not the case for the english fleet), better ships. This played a key role in the battle and explains why De Grasse managed to react quickly and take the advantage

[@markbyrum4743]

A graduate of York High School, Yorktown, Virginia, I was taught the Battle of the Chesapeake as an integral and necessary part of Washington's success in Yorktown. Good stuff. Keep at it!

[@Chance-ry1hq]

You are a very good story teller. History at it’s best.

[@FreeFallingAir]

Can’t get enough, I know this is an older vid but I’m catching up! You are by far one of the very best historical KZbinr there is!

[@cj_m2477]

Another fascinating history lesson. I love this channel!!! ❤️

[@kenshores9900]

Very good point that history is a series of events. The persistent will prevail. Good video

[@davimattos7081]

Great stuff, as usual.

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Amazing! We need to be reminded what we Americans must be grateful for. I award you, O History Guy, the coveted FOUR BOW TIE AWARD. Let us remember.

[@brijstaker]

How do people give these informative snippets a thumbs down? Thanks Sir!!!

[@laterdudesaint]

with my attention deficit your stories are just right .. you are concise.

[@marycriaco9055]

This was an exceptional presentation of what if history.

[@JamesFrost74659]

Amazing, good job Sir.

[@harryschaefer5887]

Thanks for teaching me this important American History. I've spent a lot of time sailing and racing on the Chesapeake, and love the Chesapeake, but I was not aware of this Battle.

[@dankrowpman1201]

This is a great! I have seen historical markers and monuments describing this Naval Battle on local Virginia Beach military bases. Both on Fort Story and Fort Monroe.

[@rogerhuber3133]

Just ANOTHER great story told by The Master!!! Thanks for the amazing entertainment.

[@sameyers2670]

Thank you for making another interesting video. Yours is one of my favourite channels. Bunga Bunga!

[@michaelburgoyne4224]

British General John Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga, New York, in 1777 was pivotal in getting the French to join the American cause. He was given the moniker “The Man Who Lost America.” His defeat was caused by the high command’s failure to follow through on their commitments. (I’m not a descendant of “Gentleman Johnny” but have researched the General’s history.) The American hero in the defeat of Burgoyne was Benedict Arnold. There is a statue of Arnold’s boot at Saratoga. He was wounded.

[@stevefowler2112]

Another great video...for all the disdain we toss at the French for losing two world wars without our help, it is clear that without their help during our Revolution, at best we would have remained at war with England for many more years or at worst we would have had to surrender and stop our insurrection against the crown all together.

[@Simonsvids]

Yes and gained legal independence in the 19th century like Canada.

[@donpacificbobcat9er615]

The French didn’t loose the first World War. Hell, it could be argued that they didn’t lose the second either, considering the French rebels and Charles de Gaul along with many French Colonies continued to fight against Germany even after they capitulated.

[@donpacificbobcat9er615]

I see your German Troops, and raise to you Charles de Gaul, the leader of Free France and a major coordinator of the French Resistance.

[@alexhayden2303]

CHURCHILL: 'I had many crosses to bear in the war but the heaviesst one, was the Cross of Lorraine'! 'Lunch Box Lectures' Operation Torch. (YT.)

[@jserra17]

The French did not lose the First World War and probably contributed more to its victory than America and England.

[@STho205]

I appreciate that you confer the strategic and tactical victories as being more important than the high death and dramatic battles we are often taught to focus upon. In support of that, the attrition campaign of Gen Green against Gen Cornwallis helped put him into that port at Yorktown to be resupplied or evacuated by sea. Part of the big chess game and sheer luck of circumstance. Cornwallis having left garrisoned occupied strongholds of Charles Town and Savannah (supported by the Royal Navy) to take on Gen Gates in the open for great victories; and then be lured on an adventure into the foothills of Appalachia. There his forces depleted and exhausted by Green's tactical retreat, preserving his Continentals while wearing away the campaigning Royal and Tory forces. Similar to the fate of Burgoyne.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

S Tho all very good points. The campaign in the south was interesting. Militia and Tories played a large role. Green understood strategy. Morgan’s victory at Cowpens is under appreciated.

[@STho205]

The History Guy: Five Minutes of History. Oh a fun five minute history might be done as a correlation to this. Take the John Trumbull painting of the surrender,shown here, and identify the men under the white flag as the VICTORIOUS French field command and color detail. That the white flag is the flag of France and the US flag flying on either side of the British column in the center. No UK flag is shown flying, as that would be furled and surrendered. Often mistaken by the modern viewer as a white flag of truce, this one wasn't. You could then discuss the history and myths surrounding of flags of surrender.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

S Tho that is an interesting point, as the French were flying the white flag in this period.

[@davidmarquardt2445]

I had heard at the surrender at Yorktown, the British were so humiliated that the band played " The World Turned Upside Down". And that makes sense, it never occurred to them the possibility they could lose to this rag-tag rabble. Sort of the 1700's British Vietnam.

[@STho205]

David Marquardt we are often taught by our own 19th century historians the rag tag prose and that the Royal Army was the greatest force in the world. There were times the rag tag victories were accurate such as the Over Mountain Men against Ferguson's Tories at Kings Mountain, but it doesn't fit the Yorktown siege. By 1781 the US Continental Line under Washington had long been trained, uniformed, reorganized into companies of heavy and light REGULAR INFANTRY. Same tactics and discipline as the Crown troops from the UK and often more disciplined than Tory militias. Add to that, the US forces now had a huge French professional army in support for the first time in the war, fresh artillery and the Continentals rearmed with both cannon and musket. Yorktown was a full European classic siege for the era. Also, the Redcoat bugaboo. Compared to the US militia troops in 1776, the British seemed like giants,but UK troops were not the finest and mightiest army in the world in the 1780. The French had better training and superior manufactured arms. The Prussians were far more disciplined than your typical Redcoat and the Russians were much more of a militaristic culture. The British were a pseudo free society by 1770 and the military was always a budget item in their commercial corporation, not the centre of their society. We in the US today have a lot more in common with UK culture of 1770 than we'd like to think. We are cousins if not brothers.

[@cameronwright440]

As usual, fantastic presentation !!!

[@CranialAccess]

Love Colonial history, thanks for sharing this!

[@adamg.5525]

I'm glad this battle is finally talked about. I live in Southern Maryland and so many people don't know about this at all.

[@ulyssees30y]

That's OK. I live in Massachusetts and most high school graduates have never heard of Bunker Hill, the Boston tea party or the Mayflower Compact. They think Plymouth Plantation was worked by slaves. To them Sam Adams is a beer.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

I grew up in the City of Chesapeake, VA and latter lived in Yorktown, VA. Speaking of Chesapeake I would suggest a story on the Battle of Great Bridge, also in Chesapeake, VA. Another Story in History that Deserves Remembering.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Didn’t used to like history. Starting to enjoy it more. Thanks History Guy!

[@01sapphireGTS]

10/10 as usual.

[@M0rmagil]

One of the issues that kept Lord Cochran on the wrong side of the Admiralty was his efforts in Parliament to fight corruption. He had some near disastrous equipment failures early in his career.

[@dmahlgre23]

Love history, love your channel, keep up the history.( And bow ties)

[@davidstillman4271]

Should have mentioned the reason Cornwallis was in the Chesapeake. The British suffered great losses at the battles of Kings Mountain and Cowpens in South Carolina. Cornwallis with his British army abandoned the southern front and retreated to the Chesapeake to lick his wounds.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I will probably have an episode out on Cowpens some day.

[@davidstillman4271]

If you do an article on Cow Pens Please remember Brattensville and the Haucks defeat.

[@MrBillsomm2000]

I have been to Cowpens the Colonists whipped the British in 13 minutes.

[@TrussttN01]

Not to mention the Disastrous “victory” the British had at guilford county courthouse.

[@christopherderrah3294]

Right.

[@robertspecht1911]

Thank History Guy!

[@TedBronson1918]

Great video HG ! As I listened to this though, the names Larry, Moe and Curly kept coming to mind. I know it's an unfair comparison, but what the hey. It still made me smile.

[@TheTgfrazier]

Excellent. Informative and entertaining!

[@thomasodonnell9221]

This country owes it's independence to France.

[@spikespa5208]

And French toast.

[@smal750]

​@@spikespa5208lol

[@AZ-vg6li]

Thank you for this very interesting historic analysis.Oh yes...history is full of ironic circumstances,when looked in hindsight.

[@pjosephlthewonder5082]

I know this was released years back, but I found a paper I wrote way back in my high school days (1978 when I did it!) about this Naval battle and the mass significant it was to the founding of the US as a country. I remembered that you had done this piece of History to be Remembered and wanted to compare what I had for information and what you presented. I was amazed to find that the narrative was mostly the same. I did not have information on the state of readiness of either fleet as you presented, or that the troops the French came with were not actually the ones meant to be relocated for the war. I got graded with a B+ with the note "Fantastic article, but I believe you missed some fine points about the fleets." Seems then that my teacher know a lot more about this as you do. Just thought I would say something about history of a history paper about this major event. Peace

[@patrickmcglonejr8163]

Definitely deserves to be remembered!

[@BuzzSargent]

I forwarded the video on Magellan and Lapu Lapu to my FB page so students I know in the Philippines could view your show. Happy Trails !

[@normanboyes4983]

Thank you.👍

[@rawmaster50]

Just laughing at the story and the history we took so much pride in when I was much younger. Thank you

[@macnutz4206]

Thank you very much. I knew there had been an "inconclusive" fight between British and French ships in Chesapeake but was not aware of why it was so important. More reading to do. There always is.

[@Ed-pn9id]

Wonderful.

[@jesusseoane2296]

The history guy! I think the more decisive naval battle that same year 1780 in the American revolution was the capture of 52 out 58 British ships with weapons, clothing, gold and food to supply the 40 000 troops in the americas by the Spanish Armada!

[@cicero2]

Could you remember the RN victory at the Battle of Boston Harbour between the Chesapeake and the Shannon. A surprise victory for we Brits, I believe. Thanks for your videos. History is a fascinating subject alright.

[@marlineharrold1937]

awesome. Thank you for sharing. :D

[@arailway8809]

Beautiful work

[@ihamptonii]

Great job! How long does it take to do research for these videos?

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

It depends upon the topic.

[@GathKingLeppbertI]

I never knew about this. Thanks!

[@tnerbtnerb5136]

I wonder if this is the point in history where the word "terrible" came to be synonymous with bad or inferior quality as a definition in addition to its original definition of "frightening or imposing".

[@chrisbloom382]

Love all your videos. Very professional and informative. I just find the graphics that pop up in the bottom left corner a bit distracting. Maybe if they were a little smaller they wouldn't take the attention away from what is on the screen at the time.

[@RANDOMNATION907]

It amazes me how often world history and military history are one in the same.

[@old_guard2431]

Although I was well aware of this naval battle, as usual you present issues and points I was unaware of in a remarkably coherent and compact format. I do take issue with your conclusion. George Washington was a paradox - at the same time, one of the most revered generals in history and the most underestimated. He had a genius for playing a losing hand, which is a lot less splashy. He could lose a battle while inflicting significant damage on his enemy and withdrawing his out-gunned, out-trained and out-supplied army intact. He was absolutely relentless. You can lose every battle but the last one. George Washington was inevitably going to win the last one. If the British had been able to evacuate Cornwallis, it would not have been the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. Might have been the Battle of Somewhere Else in 1791. But he was going to win it.

[@zjean3417]

He was going to win it unless the British would have spent more and sent more of their men into the colony. The British could have very easily crushed the revolutionaries but they didn't because their other colonies were being threatened by France and Spain.

[@danielboggan2479]

@@zjean3417 no they couldn’t have “easily” done that. They straight up couldn’t afford too

[@stephenbritton9297]

Lord Cornwallis' little brother, Admiral Cornwallis never forgave Graves for abandoning his brother. The attitude of the RN at the time was quite arrogant. They hadn't lost a fleet action to the "frogs" as the despairingly called them since Beach Head. Adm. Cornwallis didn't look to Admiralty for fault, he looked to the un-imaginative and un-inspiring Graves. Adm. Rodney, ably assisted by Adm. Hood, were able to soundly ROUTE Degrasse at The Saintes because they and their captains displayed the initiative of command more closely associated with the RN.

[@athopi]

Hood later had a battle cruiser named after him (sunk by the Bismark, 1941) and Rodney had a battleship named after him. (helped sink Bismark- scrapped 1948)

[@brucetolleson2286]

Great Stuff. I have known of the battle but the details about the ship condition and command decisions were enlightening. What was the Battle on Lake Ontario near Sodus Point?

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

There was a battle during the war of 1812 between militia and British marines, June of 1813

[@MandaLynn8]

History Guy, you are awesome

[@danielkaster2648]

Best video yet

[@notapplicable531]

The French warships in the picture at 2:10 have the Tricolore flying, a flag that the French didn't adopt until 1790. The Battle of the Chesapeake took place in 1781. A bit of an anachronism, n'est pas?

[@barbaravick5634]

Excellent, again.

[@sideshowbob1544]

Mmmmmm Sandwich... and a very concise view of how strategy affected tactics affected strategy in the battle of the Chesapeake. I guess you could say they really got Rochambeau ed.

[@stevemccarthy4713]

I love your snippets of History! Thanks so much for your insights. I'd like to make a recommendation for you to consider. The USS England DE-635 was a Buckley class destroyer escort in the second world war. During a 2 week period she was responsible for 6 Japanese submarines being sunk, almost the entire 7th submarine squadron, thus wiping out an entire patrol line of the Japanese. This anti-submarine warfare performance was never matched in World War II, and won for England a Presidential Unit Citation, and the assurance from the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral E. J. King, "There'll always be an England in the United States Navy." His pledge was fulfilled on 6 October 1960, when DLG-22 was assigned the name England. I first read about this in the July 1971 issue of Sea Classics Magazine. "This is History to be remembered".

[@guysenter1802]

Please read "The First Salute", by Barbara Tuchman (of Guns of August fame) to those who wish to see more of this "forgotten" history. Sir Admiral Rodney was not even mentioned in this documentary, while he figures largely in Ms. Tuchman's book. Animated graphics of the "other path" DeGrasse took from the Carribean as well as the tactics on the day of the battle would have been nice. This critique is for the History Guy to improve a wonderful production (continuous improvement...), I really enjoyed this video.

[@Beardwhip]

What an awesome story! The man who is able to make the best of a bad situation bests the one who is not

[@elviejodelmar2795]

The fate of the poor British soldier and sailor through history may, perhaps be summed up in Marshal Soult's quote (true or just a line from the movie?) on seeing the charge of the Scots Greys at Waterloo, "They are the noblest cavalry in Europe and the worst led."

[@RobCoghanable]

I have respect for the French Assistance, don’t forget the limits on the timetable adding really unnecessary pressure and the aftermath in NY.

[@khanservativ2401]

great channel

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you!

[@staggabob]

Other poorly performing ships in the British fleet included HMS Ungainly, HMS Unfortunate, HMS Inept and HMS Low Self Esteem...

[@joeelliott2157]

Yes, and all with the motto "We have not yet begun to pump!".

[@thunderbird1921]

Why on earth would you name your ship "Terrible"? That's a bad omen right from the start. I erupted with laughter when I learned that was the ship that sunk after the battle!

[@paulplaiulla9033]

​@@thunderbird1921 In french Le Terrible means " Which inspires terror/which brings or can bring great misfortunes.". As such it is quite a good name for a warship.

[@robindavis8611]

Great stuff, have you done one for the battle of penobscot bay?

[@leonrouillier2291]

This video is an example of how you have gotten me through the COVID Pandemic. It is well narrated (as always) and illustrated. I have recommended "The History Guy" to many friends and accuantices. I am a huge fan.

[@LostInThe0zone]

Amazingly, I remember being taught about this battle in high school. I'll bet that doesn't happen much anymore.

[@daviddirranebowes3478]

Good to remember the debt the US owes to France. The victory on the Chesapeake was crucial but only one of the many gifts from the French during the Revolution. Gold, guns, powder, uniforms, not to mention their Troops and Navy.

[@guil7290]

My ancestor captained a ship in the French vanguard in this battle