Yorktown: Winning the Revolutionary War

[@kingscrub3386]

As an American, listening to a British man tell me about my history and still throw small amounts of shade is amazing

[@roscojenkins7451]

The talk on Benedict Arnold had me cracking up

[@joebloggs4845]

as you are a american..your in the 21st century ..no longer relevant

[@ag7898]

Like Rosco said... the Arnold stuff had me rolling!

[@j.a.weishaupt1748]

@@joebloggs4845 *you’re

[@TheDuck632]

@@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

[@JakeSezz]

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 😂

[@dickbron1]

Seriously lol

[@ReDevil2_2A]

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.

[@TheCradM]

Well said! And thank you for your service.

[@timbuktwoseventy]

Just got back from Yorktown this last weekend, & it's an amazing place to visit. The redoubts are simultaneously humbling & powerful to visit.

[@MisterPlanePilot]

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

[@AnderSiN84]

I love it when Simon’s writers troll him with Star Wars references. Beautiful.

[@warographics643]

May the force be with me.

[@GardenData61371]

Is it still with you?

[@zachsmith8633]

Gotta love Simons stifled laugh when talking about Benedict Arnold

[@metalman7791]

One mans traitor is another's hero?

[@andywomack3414]

@@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.

[@metalman7791]

@@andywomack3414 There were certainly a lot of egos amongst the "gentlemen". You're right of course, some of them were very petty

[@Master_Yoda1990]

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.

[@KeirChapman]

@@metalman7791 A very handsome and brave hero.

[@usonumabeach300]

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.

[@eurodoc6343]

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.

[@worstchoresmadesimple6259]

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.

[@BirdsFlyAbove]

Agreed. This narrative is good but it just does not describe why Cornwallis decided to abandon the Carolinas. King's Mountain end of 1780 and Cowpens of 1781 eliminated the vast majority of his army. So he is correct about the stalemate in the north, but it was not a stalemate in the south. Gilford courthouse was not a victory for the British, they took the field, but it was a death blow by Green against Cornwallis. The Southern boys spend 2 years grinding down the southern army of the British.

[@twomble5002]

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.

[@mynameisntpatrick1476]

To be honest we Americans hear very little about Yorktown. You get tons more about Valley Forge and the crossing of the Delaware.

[@sicksadworld997]

Don't get me started on Lexington and Concord.

[@NickyTheGaymer]

Can confirm that. And Lexington got shoved down my throat for my school's curriculum

[@badluck5647]

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.

[@badluck5647]

@@sicksadworld997 That stupid poem.

[@Nolzii]

@@NickyTheGaymer Yorktown was shoved down mine. albeit I live in Yorktown so I guess it should be

[@Shizznad]

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

[@tmr3513]

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.

[@badluck5647]

It unusual to see a Brit narrate the American Revolution to a primarily to an American audience.

[@NickyTheGaymer]

Who better though!

[@badluck5647]

@@NickyTheGaymer His praise of Bennett Arnold's good looks was pretty funny

[@chrisedwards4785]

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!

[@CarlosGutierrez-hn7bs]

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.)

[@skyden24195]

Never thought of it in this perspective. Very nice. I dig it with toast.

[@cleverusername9369]

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.

[@skyden24195]

@@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!")

[@cleverusername9369]

@@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.

[@skyden24195]

@@cleverusername9369 as many channels as Simon has, I'm sure he's mentioned Jones. 😄

[@brett4264]

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!

[@usonumabeach300]

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!

[@lehammsamm]

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.

[@NickyTheGaymer]

I'd watch that! I love learning some lesser known facts like that!

[@ethannaftalin2395]

Not just that, but it also had one of Naval history's greatest tactical feats: Togo's Turn.

[@StefanMedici]

We definitely need this. Get on it Fact Boi.

[@JustJezBeingJez]

Come on Simon, get one of your android clones and make this happen.

[@capnstewy55]

Love the laughter after the trolling about Benedict Arnold. Clearly Benedict Cumberbatch was named after him he was such a hero to the Limeys.

[@miliba]

Boogieman Krakatau

[@coling3957]

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

[@Master_Yoda1990]

@@coling3957 it's not that he never amounted to much, he had won some battles, however his constituents stole the credit from him.

[@NickyTheGaymer]

Love that tea-stained chains saying. That's a thing in my vocabulary now! Great video as always fact boi!

[@sabrinaedde4024]

This is why I watch most of Simons channels. Able to discuss a British loss with humor and cheekiness. Love that British sense of humor.

[@M0rmagil]

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.

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:25 - Chapter 1 - Stalemate 5:40 - Chapter 2 - Breaking out 9:40 - Chapter 3 - Fresh moves 13:45 - Chapter 4 - A new state of play 18:10 - Chapter 5 - Endgame 22:10 - Chapter 6 - Checkmate

[@grigorirasputin9507]

7:54 - Chapter 2 and 1/2 - Slamming Your Nuts In A Drawer

[@MrTJPAS]

It would be cool to see a video on King Phillips War, as there is so little content on KZbin 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.

[@sicksadworld997]

I never even heard of that one till I watched his video.

[@punksoab]

Ooh another warographics! "The handsome, brilliant, amazing Benedict Arnold." "Listen.... HERE.... ya little shit

[@pyromania1018]

I read that last line in Tim Curry's Pennywise voice.

[@samuelmoulds1016]

yeah, ol' benny gat quite a name for himself and lived peaceably in 'jolly old England' until his dying breath, having escaped the hangman's noose. jolly good, watt.

[@strange4change_6]

I was born and raised in Surry County, VA, right across the river from Jamestown. Yorktown is a place that you wouldn't think that was the decisive battle of the American Revolution. It's a sleepy town between here and there. But there are many, many places like that in VA. Rochambeau is a road in York Co., Portsmouth is where I spent time I my childhood, and swimming in Chesapeake Bay is a yearly tradition. I lived in Dinwiddie Co and would take Flank Rd (the major battlefield of the Civil War) regularly and except for a few signs, it's just the woods. Hollowed ground for history buffs is home for me💙

[@Beryllahawk]

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!!!

[@andysnyder4506]

Come to Yorktown to visit and don't leave out Colonial Williamsburg or Jamestown either.

[@tereseshaw7650]

I did! At a little Catholic school in the 1960s. When and where did you go to school?

[@Beryllahawk]

@@tereseshaw7650 Mostly in western Texas in the 1980s! Just plain public school

[@Chino56751]

Most publics are. It beats that of most of Africa though

[@RackEmUpButtercup9376]

Lord, bless me with even just a fraction of this man's workrate

[@cheebsgod]

He works like 300 hours a day

[@badluck5647]

It's clones. Simon has one for each channel and a 14th to watch the writers in the basement.

[@als3022]

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.

[@smal750]

🇨🇵🤝🇪🇸

[@IrishMike22]

Couldn't help yourself with the Benedict Arnold lines, could you Simon? 🤣

[@pyromania1018]

He probably did it just to get reactions. Can you deny its effectiveness?

[@angelitabecerra]

That would be his writer lol

[@IrishMike22]

@@angelitabecerra "lol" ok 👍

[@xXProtozoaXx]

Love the writing. Simon couldn't help but smile after reading the lines about Arnold.

[@Guitcad1]

After the battle, Hamilton could be seen walking the battlefield, pinning $10 bills to every enemy he had killed.

[@tereseshaw7650]

LOL

[@chrisharmon8858]

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.

[@johnmassoud930]

There is a Rockingham County in Virginia too. Middle of the Shenandoah Valley.

[@welshman8954]

Your welcome

[@FourOf92000]

seeing that endgame, a feature video on Westminster politics during the Revolution may be enough for a video in itself

[@albinonarnar2600]

I live in Yorktown and it’s so nice to see a video coming from Simon about where I’m from

[@williamtaylor3320]

I’m in Hampton, close enough for me.

[@kevinmansfield9413]

I'm in Seaford. Never even heard of Achilles before??

[@Nolzii]

@@kevinmansfield9413 because if hasn't been called that in decades. this is actually the first time I've ever heard someone other then a 70+ year old call it that

[@kevinmansfield9413]

@@Nolzii Thanks for the reply! Very interesting!!

[@andysnyder4506]

@@kevinmansfield9413 It's just north of you in Guinea, land of the watermen. Go to Gloucester Point and turn east in Hayes. You'll get there.

[@CC-jl7jz]

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.

[@kobrien6657]

"I'll Rochambeax you for it". Eric Cartman. 😆😆

[@BradleyVanTreese]

This channel is just so damned good. I know it’s new, but Simon’s wit, delivery and pacing is just so unmatchable. What a narrator. This one was exceptionally good. Please keep up the extraordinary work.

[@harrysweeten9417]

Great video as always, I have been to Yorktown and many Revolutionary battles sites and am still amazed at the sacrifice those men and women suffered to start a new nation.

[@limner3454]

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.

[@matthewbartley2746]

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

[@josephwilliams7995]

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

[@JakeSezz]

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.

[@tereseshaw7650]

Ah! Not in the 1960s. Americans still loved America, and so did the teachers.

[@glennnile7918]

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. (-:

[@Benya9400]

Hey Simon I'm a British born American whose traveling to the U.K come this Tuesday actually for the next three months. During my time over there I plan to visit the ancestral home of George Washington, just like yourself I make history orientated videos that are primarily focused on American history subject matters, at the moment I cover the civil war and now I've branching out to the revolutionary war, anyway really appreciate your content and work dude, it brings me a lot of comfort especially when I'm not in the best of places mentally at times.

[@rogerpenske2411]

Ah yes, Rochambeau. Memorialized in the grand American tradition of Rock, Paper, Scissors

[@kellycollier2026]

That's not a Rochambeau. It's when you take turns kicking each other in the nuts.

[@_curledupdog_2677]

Love the instrumental music towards the end, nice touch.

[@heliosdelsol]

@ 24:30- Simon- "The Empire's claim to American was finished." Canada- Am I a joke to you?

[@theg.c.142]

Love when you do American history without buggering it up.

[@alanstrecker5437]

As an American, I’d, of course, read all about this in High School. I’d forgotten it though. Because the revolutionary war lacked the grand armies of subsequent wars (American civil war, the world wars, etc), I’d never gone back to bone up. Thanks for the overview and the chance to make sense of the jumble!

[@kcollier2192]

Simon is so salty about all of this it makes me wonder if there was an ancestor involved in this battle.

[@kellycollier2026]

The Benedict Arnold portion really made me laugh.

[@aymen1259]

This is , quite simply, a truly AWESOME video.

[@FormulaVase-kp3dc]

Do a video on the battle of Trenton. Another famous Washington victory.

[@billwilson3609]

Cornwallis actually kept Marion supplied during the chase. Marion had troops following Cornwallis that took each town where he dropped off troops with supplies. The supplies were transported past Cornwallis's column on back roads to Marion, who stayed fairly close to the British to keep them chasing after him.

[@lanemcculley4351]

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.

[@JustyHakubi]

The Battle of Cowpens is also another major factor which set up Yorktown. Very good video.

[@MisterPlanePilot]

I used to live in Newport News for 15 years, a quick 10-15 minute drive to Yorktown. I always loved walking the numerous trails, much from the Revolution and Civil War is preserved. Some trails wind through hundreds of GIANT berms created by the armies for cover, lots of artifacts found all over. One unmarked trail lead to a hidden spring, where Washington and his army refreshed. I only visited it twice, though I've tried 5+ times but could never remember where it was. Such a historic place. Even the area at 16:55 I've been to, which is now near Yorktown Beach which has tons of stuff from the Revolution. I've since moved inland and settled down, now near a different historic area from the Civil War such as Appomattox Courthouse and Jefferson's Manor is. I love living in Virginia, the history is amazing.

[@Steve_Foretoken]

It’s great to see this video. I currently live in Yorktown and have spent my formative years here and am guilty of taking for granted the history that surrounds me.

[@georgiabowhunter]

The greatest voice on KZbin.

[@bandit6272]

I appreciate the good nature shown in this video. Yes he still threw shade, but the "tea stained hands" part cracked me up. Appreciate Simon being a good sport.

[@DSS-jj2cw]

22:58: 1792 !!!???? What ? 1782! That would have really sucked if the war had dragged on for ten more years!

[@tereseshaw7650]

Mistakes happen. This should be corrected.

[@greenkoopa]

Simon is still mad about the Battle of Yorktown. That's why he moved to Slovakia

[@cleverusername9369]

He lives in Prague which is definitely in the Czech Republic, not Slovakia, which is about 200 miles away.

[@joeywheelerii9136]

At some point yall should cover the beaver wars

[@johnmassoud930]

Great video but a couple of points. 1) Cornwallis didn't show at the surrender. He feigned illness. 2) Rockingham County in the Shenandoah Valley is named after Lord Rockingham in great remembrance of a MP who put his career on the line for us.

[@johndavidhobson8229]

He believed correctly that the French had beaten him. Actually judging from the reception the French Officers gave Cornwallis, the French officers thought Cornwallis was correct as well. It was a fascinating surrender. Washington wasn't invited to the gathering. He wasn't a real officer and a real gentleman I suppose.

[@brittgardner2923]

Very good little narrative. I own a recovered musket ball from Yorktown, and while it is almost certainly a Continental Army ball as adjudged by caliber (Reverse the "r" and "e" in "caliber" to read in Bri'ish.), the fact it was found at all probably indicates that it never pierced red wool. Like as not, had that been the case, it would have accompanied the limb or whole corpse it accounted for into the grave, lost for eternity rather than becoming a delightful little curiosity on my shelf. In all honesty, though, I'm very glad our countries patched everything up. A modern world without one or two particular Anglo-American alliances does not appeal to me.

[@alexclark4975]

Rush on, boys!

[@kenflagler635]

This might be my favorite one so far. And Simon you are a great story teller. In fact I am going to watch this again right now. What a great story of the final battle and subsequent creation of America. I can watch a really good move a whole bunch of times. Most of the time it is because it has a really good story.😎😎😎

[@rangerrick2246]

I love history and have visited Yorktown a few times. To think I knew Revolutionary history was all there but the complication of "the rest of the story" was no where in my learning. I'm not surprised about the complications that followed between allies but learn how long it dragged out is simply amazing. Would some of these facts lead to the wars of 1812? Great job and thanks for the history lesson

[@multiyapples]

Rest In Peace to those that passed away.

[@javiervicedo4201]

Well, let me clarify few things. There is an article from The Massachusetts Society Sons of the American Revolution (SAR ) called ‘Spain and the Independence of The United States.’ After reading the article cannot be a surprise to know than Spanish Commander Bernardo de Galvez has the same honour of be Honorary Citizeship of the United States like Laffayete…

[@bweresquirrel8279]

The formal surrender at Yorktown had a comical aspect. Cornwallis faked illness and sent a staff officer, who tried to hand over the sword of surrender to the Rochambeau. Rochambeau pointed him over to the Americans. Then Washington returned Cornwallis's snub by making the man surrender to one of Washington's subordinate officers. Incidentally, the reconstructed earthworks around Yorktown at Colonial National Historical Park are not the Revolutionary War defenses; the archaeology for that was heavily damaged during the Civil war when General McClellan dithered through the Peninsular Campaign. So the current reconstructed earthworks are Civil War defenses.

[@Nolzii]

thanks for pointing that last bit out, i get pretty tired of reminding tourist that its all rebuilt civil war era stuff.

[@YNS_bga]

You should do a video on the battle of Chosin, Kursk, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, Gettysburg

[@williamdelong8727]

There is a Plaque on Rue Jacob in Paris. That says in French. This building is where on September 3 1783 the Treaty of Paris was signed ending the American War of Independence

[@ahensley63]

The writing in this episode is top notch. Douchebag limeys and slamming your nuts in a drawer had me cracking up

[@matthewmcneal5386]

This was truly the most enjoyable warographics so far thank you

[@dougkratz5269]

I enjoy military history, but I really love airplanes and tanks, so I really dive in to the intricacies of the American Revolutionary War. Thanks Simon for enlightening, and entertaining me

[@EAcapuccino]

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 🌴👍👍

[@fearlessfruge6445]

1812 ?

[@brandonjade2146]

Yeah we gotta get revenge for u burning down the White House though, i call for a fight to the death!!!!

[@xyzpdq1122]

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.

[@johndavidhobson8229]

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.

[@pamelamays4186]

Again, much more than I learned way back in junior and high school. For example, I didn't learn about the involvement of the Spanish and the Dutch.

[@briancowan4318]

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.

[@sailinbob11]

South Ga. Military college history grad. Love the new channel. I'm obviously familiar with the details of war,but it's nice to revisit my studies. Capt.Bob,SV (Sailing Vessel) 27th Chance,Tampa Fl.

[@RespectTheLogos3]

I wonder if Simon would cover: Kosovo War Bosnian War Rwandan Genocide The Troubles The Battle of the Somme D-Day Battle of Britain Russo-Japanese War The Battle of Verdun Soviet-Afghan War The Gulf War Battle of Hastings Battle of Gettysburg

[@unowen9668]

Jacobean uprisings

[@LostSleepFoundSheep]

As an American I don't even remember learning about this battle in school. Until Hamilton I couldn't have told you the name of a single American Revolution battle, so all that "etched on all Americans psyche" stuff in the introduction....yeah not so much.

[@michaelch5060]

Great video! Interesting hearing a "Brit" tell the story, especially the Benedict Arnold part :). Thanks for sharing.

[@johndominicamabile]

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.

[@brandonbath6097]

“Damn handsome Benedict Arnold” lollll love it

[@jaguarfight12]

One of your best, Simon.

[@mitchellneu]

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.

[@Nolzii]

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

[@cleverusername9369]

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.

[@Nolzii]

@@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

[@tiberiussempronious6252]

Even if I already know a lot about something I still watch these videos and I always learn something new. I love this bearded limey bastard

[@phillipmel]

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. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

[@user-dg9pu4pe9d]

Two suggestions: The Hunley Monitor and Merrimack

[@crsingh2010]

Another fine documentary. Thank You.

[@PopeKurt]

Always sad when Thomas Paine never gets is due. His "The American Crisis" pamphlet was another way Washington helped reinvigorate his soldiers.

[@renaissanceredneck73]

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.

[@thestormofwar]

Appreciate this perspective. Thank you 😊.

[@PhillyPhanVinny]

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).

[@lahire4943]

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.

[@PhillyPhanVinny]

@@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.

[@lahire4943]

@@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.

[@bobsyme3118]

OMG.😂😂just reliased i'm watching yet another simon whistler channel,ffs how many channels do you need👍👊

[@hattorihanzo2705]

"Rush on, boys!" Haha!

[@anthonyfrench3169]

I've watched war graphics before and to hear Simon narrate this is awesome!! Can you guys do a Battle of 1812 video. I'd love to hear Brain Blaze Simon narrate that one

[@kentanderson9432]

Well done. Love the depth and context.

[@jake1776]

You should make a video on what happened at the dinner with the British and Americans after the British defeat. Fascinating.

[@MCKevin289]

As much as it hates for me to admit this but Arnold was an excellent general. His actions at the battle of Saratoga won us the war. If had died in Saratoga he would be an American hero and not a villain.

[@wazzupsters]

Imagine how much more of a ego the entirety of NY would have if Rochambeau listened to Washington and matched there for the final blade into the British armor.

[@nathanfrancis5375]

great video as always. war is basically logistics. you should do a video of the road of life during the siege of leningrad

[@jeffreyruttibaker1081]

Aye Simon, shouldn't the thumbnail be "Losing the Revolutionary War"?? Ya filthy Brit... Totally kidding btw. Love all... what, 25 channels you run? Keep up the good work you clean, intelligent Brit 👍