The War at Sea

Explain the statement "The Revolutionary War may have been won on the sea."

Arms and reinforcements arrived from France on the sea, and French ships and privateers made the victory at Yorktown possible.

What are Privateers?

British ships that were privately owned Merchant ships and fishing boats that had been mounted with cannons.

Who is Comte de Grasse?

He sailed into Chesapeake Bay and cut off Cornwallis' troops, setting up the victory which decided the outcome of the war.

Describe the fight between the Bonhomme Richard and the Serapis.

John Paul Jones attacked a British convoy which was guarded by the Serapis, a new, fast, heavily armed British frigate. The fight between these two ships has been called one of the most bitter struggles in Navy history. All day the Serapis pounded the rotten sides of the Bonhomme Richard until the old ship began to leak.

Who is John Paul Jones?

Most skillful leader and a seaman of great experience who had been born in Scotland and was one of the first to offer to fight the British at sea.

How did privateers help the revolutionary cause?

Privateers captured many British trading ships and their cargoes. It is estimated that more than 30,000 Americans were engaged in privateering during the war.

Who is Earl of Sandwich?

The First Sea Lord- also a bad leader

Who is Esek Hopkins?

The commander of the first American fleet. His raid on the West Indies gained supplies and arms for Continental Army.

"I have not yet begun to fight" were the words spoken by whom, when, where and why?

Whom- John Paul Jones When- September 23, 1779 Where- France Why- The British commander asked the American commander if he was ready to surrender and he replied with that quote which meant that he was not yet ready to surrender.