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Now or Never

Home Education Videos and Podcasts Now or Never: The Battle of Yorktown

The Yorktown Campaign of 1781

This page provides resources on the Battle of Yorktown. It relies heavily 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

View by Chapter

Scroll to see links to individual chapters of Now or Never: The Yorktown Campaign of 1781.

Trailer

Trailer: Now or Never

This one minute trailer shows a preview of what the actual video includes.
Chapter One

Chapter One: Now or Never

This two minute chapter is an introduction to the Battle of Yorktown.
Chapter Two

Chapter Two: The Tide Turns

This two minute chapter covers battles that occurred prior to Yorktown.
Chapter Three

Chapter Three: The French Alliance

This four minute chapter covers discussions and battle strategies between the French and the Americans.
Chapter Four

Chapter Four: Roads to Yorktown

This two minute chapter covers General Cornwallis's strategy and movement towards Yorktown.
Chapter Five

Chapter Five: Battle of the Virginia Cape

This two minute chapter covers the naval battle between the Royal Navy and the French.
Chapter Six

Chapter Six: The March South

This two minute chapter covers Washington's travels towards Yorktown and his ruse against Clinton.
Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven: The Siege Begins

This two minute chapter covers Washington's first attacks on the British.
Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight: The First Parallel

This two minute chapter covers the first set of trenches - the first parallel - that the American and French Armies dug.
Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine: The Second Parallel

This three minute chapter covers the second set of trenches that the American and French Armies dug - the second parallel.
Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten: The Surrendor

This five minute chapter covers the British surrender and the events that followed.

Interactive Yorktown Map

Use this link to access a French map depicting the Yorktown campaign!

View the map

Interactive Revolutionary War Timeline

Click to explore a timeline on the American Revolution!

Explore the Timeline

The Battle of Yorktown

Washington allied with French leaders to successfully siege Yorktown and force General Cornwallis to surrender. This battle was the beginning of the end of the American Revolution, and ultimately led to the Treaty of Paris.

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Comte de Rochambeau

Rochambeau worked with Washington in the American Revolution, commanding the French forces. He helped convince Washington to move his troops south, which led to the Battle of Yorktown. His leadership helped ensure American victory.

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Primary Source: Articles of Capitulation

When the British finally surrendered, it took a lot of negotiation to reach an agreement with the American forces. Explore the final conditions of surrender with this interactive primary source. 

Explore the Articles

Primary Source: View of Yorktown

Many artists painted the landscapes and battles of Yorktown, since it was a major, decisive event of the Revolutionary War. This particular painting was done in 1834, a good fifty years after the battle. Click to fully view the painting and other depictions of Yorktown.

View the Painting

Educational Videos

Click the link to explore more videos at the Educational Videos page.

Link to Videos

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.

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