PATRIOT WEEK: YORKTOWN: "OH GOD! IT'S ALL OVER!"

Renewing the American Spirit

Patriot Week begins on 9/11 and ends on 9/17 (the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution (Constitution Day)) and renews America’s spirit by celebrating the First Principles, Founding Fathers and other Patriots, vital documents and speeches, and flags that make America the greatest nation in world history. Many of current holidays have become overly commercialized or have lost their deeper meaning. We need to invigorate our appreciation and understanding of America’s spirit. This blog is dedicated to keeping the spirit of Patriot Week - and America - alive all year long.....

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

YORKTOWN: "OH GOD! IT'S ALL OVER!"

Today (October 19), is just as much Independence Day as July 4 - it was on this day in 1781 that America won its independence from Great Britain. British Commander General Cornwallis was forced to surrender his entire army to American troops under George Washington and French troops under Rochambeau. The capitulation was won when French Admiral de Grasse appeared to trap the British with 28 ships of the line.

"Oh God! It's all over!" exclaimed British Prime Minister Lord North when he heard the news. Although the peace treaty took another 2 years to negotiate, Lord North was right - and America had won its independence, and changed the world forever.