Battle Of Yorktown Research Paper

The Battle of Yorktown was a pivotal part in U.S. History. Lasting from September 28, 1781 to October 19, 1781 it was the last major battle in the American Revolutionary War. It was a resounding victory against the British in the American Revolutionary War, but it was also the catalyst that began the creation of what is now the United States of America. The American victory over Great Britain was the starting point for multiple revolutions of colonies from their European masters as well as the key component in the overthrowing of European Monarchs.
The Battle of Yorktown was a resounding victory against the number one country in the world with the help of the French. Had this victory not happened Great Britain would have easily taken control of the American territories and all of the colonist would have been executed for treason. Obviously if the colonies are all deceased then there will be no United States, the country that we live in today, and we could very well be British right now.
But the colonist didn’t die and instead survive to form a government that becomes the United States of America.
They form this government using the principles of government during the time of enlightenment. Then after forming this new form of government they do a very smart thing and make George Washington their first president. George Washington was a war hero, the commander of United States who defeated General Cornwallis at, yes I’m reiterating, the Battle of Yorktown making him a well known worldly figure. George Washington was also a well thought of person throughout the world. King George III of England says that Washington could have easily been a king but he decided not
to.
Others individuals and groups heard of George Washington and the colonies and there huge success at obtaining their independence from Great Britain and it opens their eyes to realize and discover a new way of thinking. Simon Bolivar was inspired by Washington and his actions and directly emulates them become a hero figure liberating several countries in Latin America from Spain. Also inspired to revolt would be the Haitians against the French in the Haitian revolution of 1791.
Overthrowing of European monarchs didn’t just stop with the Western hemisphere, but all over the world the success of the battle of Yorktown and the American Revolutionary War created a ripple effect in the minds of anyone who felt they were being suppressed by these monarchs. During the Age of Enlightenment people all over the globe start to realize that the idea of Divine right of kings was Archaic and an elected government is better. With an elected government if the people don’t like the officials put in charge they have the right to overthrow based on the Principles of Philosophies from John Locke. This would directly lead to the overthrowing of the French monarchal government of Louis XVI.
The Battle of Yorktown is the one event that contributed the most in creating the United States into what it is today. Without that three week battle countries like Haiti, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, France, an even United States could still be under Monarchal rule. Kings would still have their divine right to do as they please and treat their people as slaves to do their bidding. But instead the battle of Yorktown is won and the shock waves travel throughout the globe and throughout the years affecting not only United States future but the future of the world.