The U.S. Revolutionary Naval Battle fought between Great Britain and France

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  • čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
  • The History Guy remembers the Battle of the Chesapeake or the Battle of the Virginia Capes. It was a decisive battle of the American Revolution that took place in September 1781. Curiously, though it was an important Revolutionary battle, it did not include Americans. It is history that deserves to be remembered.
    This episode is intended for educational purposes. All events are portrayed within the context of history. It contains period pictures of warships, but no depictions of graphic violence.
    The History Guy uses images that are in the Public Domain. As photographs of actual events are often not available, I will sometimes use photographs of similar events or objects for illustration.
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    The episode is intended for educational purposes. All events are presented in historical context.
    #usrevolutionarywar #militaryhistory #thehistoryguy

Komentáře • 627

  • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
    @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 2 lety +5

    For exclusive content and behind-the-scenes fun, join our community of fans and supporters at thehistoryguyguild.locals.com!

  • @jeffreygraf3358
    @jeffreygraf3358 Před 5 lety +18

    My 4xGreat Grandfather was a matelot (fighting sailor) on the ship Le Blanche in DeGrasse's fleet. After the naval battle he disembarked to fight as an infantryman at the battle of Yorktown. He was seriously wounded, and missed the French fleets departure back to the West Indies. He was cared for by a private physician, recovered and fell in love with the doctor's daughter. He did not wish to return to France, so he changed his last name. He married his sweetheart, had 18 children and pushed west out on the frontier. An American by choice. A patriot, and the father and grandfather of patriots.

    • @guil7290
      @guil7290 Před rokem +4

      My 5x great grandfather captained a ship in the vanguard of the French fleet in this battle and his brother was an officier on an other ship. Might be our ancestors met !!

    • @JefElder
      @JefElder Před rokem +5

      My 5x Great Grandfather was an ensign abord the Scipion, rearguard of the French fleet at the Chesapeake. He probably did not see a lot of action but he left us an interesting account of a naval combat against isolated English ships in the West Indies.

    • @smal750
      @smal750 Před 3 měsíci +1

      18 children 😳

  • @aaronmckaig
    @aaronmckaig Před 6 lety +274

    Okay seriously who would thumb down that video? even the artwork was good? If you don't like history than don't watch the video in the first place..

    • @kineticinstallationspecial5775
      @kineticinstallationspecial5775 Před 6 lety +8

      aaron mckaig people like to downvote just to go against the grain. If it makes you feel better, the CZcams analytics count them both the same. Just interactions like comments

    • @SaltyTubers
      @SaltyTubers Před 6 lety +16

      I've read three reviews on Google in the past week by people who have by their own admission never visited the place they were reviewing, but still gave it 1 star, because they had not been there yet. So, apparently the digital age is for folks of all cognizance. :) OR could have been someone from GB still bitter about being told to go home. Love these videos!

    • @DColcla
      @DColcla Před 6 lety +9

      aaron mckaig I think that it may be a Brit....

    • @Demicron
      @Demicron Před 6 lety +20

      English loyalist would.

    • @rl2699
      @rl2699 Před 6 lety +2

      It's because those people get confused very easily and since there was more than two names they got nervous and downvoted

  • @kenf4646
    @kenf4646 Před 4 lety +10

    This was an excellent story. There were so many names being thrown around it was difficult to follow. In the end I finally figured it out it was the French who fought against the British. Without the French we would not have had our independence in the United States of America. It would have been good to have some type of diagram to follow who was on who’s side.

    • @thunderbird1921
      @thunderbird1921 Před 3 lety +3

      The French were definitely invaluable in the effort. We had won at Saratoga, but we lacked the ability to easily challenge British blockades or stop their massive ships from bombarding the coastlines. We were also having to extremely ration supplies due to shortages. France allying with us solved both problems, and so much more. If I remember correctly, Louisville, Kentucky is named after Louis XVI, in gratitude and remembrance of his assistance and support of America's freedom.

    • @brunol-p_g8800
      @brunol-p_g8800 Před 11 měsíci +3

      Without the French there wouldn’t be the USA. To start, from day one it was French supplies in arms and powder that armed American troops, they were the ones who gave the Americans the weapons to fight, as well as the money to do so. Then the decisive battles happened when French troops arrived, they fought alongside the Americans or better said Americans fought alongside French professional soldiers and artillery, so is the case on the seas. And finally, the USA were born in France, in Paris to be exact, when on September 3 1783 the representatives of the colonies and the representatives of Great Britain signed the treaty, putting an end to the war between the colonies and Great Britain and having Great Britain recognise the independence of the United States Of America.

  • @CosmasNDamian
    @CosmasNDamian Před 6 lety +54

    When I was in training for my Navy commission, this was called The Battle of Virginia Capes.

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 6 lety +24

      Both names are commonly used, as is simply "the Battle of the Capes."

    • @CosmasNDamian
      @CosmasNDamian Před 6 lety +22

      Yup. In fact when I flew fighters in the Navy out of Oceana, our controlling agency was FACSFAC Virginia Capes. BTW, my comments are not criticisms, but rather a sharing in the discussion of history. Your videos are quite good, Sir.

    • @davepratt9909
      @davepratt9909 Před 5 lety +8

      You're lucky, when I was getting my commission it was called "current affairs" ;-)

    • @thewallaces9110
      @thewallaces9110 Před 5 lety +3

      A plaque under the statue of de Grasse at Fort Story calls it Battle of the capes. They have a relay nice stone carving/sculpture depicting the battle near the Cape Henry Lighthouse.

    • @JohnRodriguesPhotographer
      @JohnRodriguesPhotographer Před 5 lety +2

      I have seen both names for the battle

  • @wickerman9569
    @wickerman9569 Před 6 lety +13

    That story gave me chills. I had ancestors that fought in the American revolution war. Wish I could have herd some of there stories. Well done sir I have to give you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 for that 1.

  • @JimFortune
    @JimFortune Před 6 lety +94

    These days I don't think you'd name a warship "Terrible".

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 6 lety +25

      I guess that depends upon the ship...

    • @mikecimerian6913
      @mikecimerian6913 Před 6 lety +31

      Times and meanings. Originally from French with Latin roots - terribilis. In this context to frighten. :) Bogeyman sort of thing ... good name for a warship.

    • @WALTERBROADDUS
      @WALTERBROADDUS Před 6 lety +5

      Jim Fortune The USN's Zumwalt class is deserving of the name.

    • @JimFortune
      @JimFortune Před 6 lety +2

      WALTERBROADDUS
      To me, Zumwalt is the guy who let sailors grow beards.

    • @WALTERBROADDUS
      @WALTERBROADDUS Před 6 lety +4

      Jim Fortune Well the DDG 1000 class is turning into a pricey bleep up. And we have one more to build. Named ironically for the guy who's Destroyers started a war. LBJ.

  • @guyfawkes9951
    @guyfawkes9951 Před 6 lety +19

    I lived in Williamsburg, VA for 10 years and that area and it's history fascinate me. Yorktown, Jamestown, Williamsburg, Petersburg, Richmond. So many places so close together in that are that are so important to the history of the US and the world. All of your videos are great but thanks for doing this one in particular.

  • @almyska467
    @almyska467 Před 6 lety +18

    The upper officers of the Royal Navy also suffered from the "Byng Effect" at that time. Although the execution of Admiral Byng in 1757 for not being aggressive enough was intended to increase the aggressiveness of other admirals, it actually had the opposite effect. The lesson learned by many of the upper officers was "don't venture battle unless you are 100% certain you will win, else you could be executed".

    • @peletsoivre9110
      @peletsoivre9110 Před 5 lety +2

      Why was Byng executed?
      He lost a battle?
      Insubordination?

    • @almyska467
      @almyska467 Před 5 lety +2

      Pel et Soivre The official charge was 'failing to do his utmost'. Here's a short synopsis:
      www.historytoday.com/richard-cavendish/execution-admiral-byng

    • @richardclarke3924
      @richardclarke3924 Před 5 lety +4

      AI- sorry but that's complete rubbish, the battle of Quiberon bay Nov 1759 is a perfect example where the failings of Byng and his fate was the inspiration for the aggressive and some would have said reckless action of Hawke against the French which removed Frances invasion aspirations.

    • @almyska467
      @almyska467 Před 5 lety +3

      Richard-Sorry, it may be debatable, but it is not "complete rubbish". That case does not invalidate the entire proposition and is still hotly debated by historians today. Naturally aggressive commanders, like Boscowen, Saunders, and Hawke, did indeed feel empowered to become even more aggressive and with spectacular results. In the case of the events which are the subject of this video, over 20 years later, it is given as one of the reasons that Graves did not sail aggressively from New York to intercept de Barras' fleet when it departed Providence and before it could combine with de Grasse in the Chesapeake.

    • @richardclarke3924
      @richardclarke3924 Před 5 lety +3

      AI, I agree that "Complete Rubbish" was probably over egging the response. That said I felt your initial comments suggested a sort of commissar style effect and paraphrasing Voltaire took the incident out of context when referring to Chesapeake some 21 years later.
      Also the increasing efficiency in the management, financing and provisioning of the Royal Navy was arguably far more of an impact on the ability to wage war on a more aggressive footing. Graves problems are mor per to do with the quality of the vessels at hand and that during the passage they were forced to make port for repairs. This was was the reason for his late arrival, not any lack of aggression.
      That said, thought the video was excellent as usual.

  • @MikeJowsey
    @MikeJowsey Před 5 lety +19

    Loved it! A magnificent explanation of a pivotal battle. But for the geographically-challenged, a map or two at the beginning might have helped.

  • @corycollier
    @corycollier Před 6 lety +142

    Guess you could say our coming to help France in WWI & WWII was our way of saying "thanks"

    • @WALTERBROADDUS
      @WALTERBROADDUS Před 6 lety +6

      cory collier Yeah, we repaid that debt in interest and blood.

    • @greywuffzfavrr6038
      @greywuffzfavrr6038 Před 6 lety +32

      "America has joined forces with the Allied Powers, and what we have of blood and treasure are yours. Therefore it is that with loving pride we drape the colors in tribute of respect to this citizen of your great republic. And here and now, in the presence of the illustrious dead, we pledge our hearts and our honor in carrying this war to a successful issue. Lafayette, we are here." Charles E. Stanton July 4 1917 at the tomb of the Marquis de La Fayette

    • @vonslagle
      @vonslagle Před 6 lety +17

      Google Lafayette's toast to Washington at the Plough Tavern in York, PA. Without France, there might not have ever been a USA

    • @shadowjack8
      @shadowjack8 Před 6 lety +5

      Emphatically.

    • @shadowjack8
      @shadowjack8 Před 6 lety +16

      So easy to forget our heritage. France, Great Briton, America. Lots of growing pains. May we always remember our friends.

  • @mr.perfect8746
    @mr.perfect8746 Před 6 lety +16

    Patrick O'Brian captures the corruption of the British Admiralty and how it impacted the British Navy as part of the environment of his novels.

    • @neilwilson5785
      @neilwilson5785 Před 5 lety

      capperbar. That's what they called it, and it held back the nation tremendously.

    • @michaelcharlesmiller
      @michaelcharlesmiller Před 4 lety

      I was going to make a facile joke about Jack Aubrey not being old enough for a command, but your comment is actually pertinent.

    • @thomasricatte8287
      @thomasricatte8287 Před 3 měsíci

      Also to be noted that it was also the opposite on the french side: the french navy had lost a lot of battles against the british in the previous 7 years war so they decided to upgrade / rebuild everything from scratch after the end of the war: reinforced training, simplified and uniformized signs between ships (which was not the case for the english fleet), better ships. This played a key role in the battle and explains why De Grasse managed to react quickly and take the advantage

  • @absentmindedprof
    @absentmindedprof Před 6 lety +3

    During World War Two, landing craft used in amphibious operations were piloted by Coastguardsmen. One of these pilots earned the Medal of Honor. He deserves to be remembered. Tyvm!

    • @spikespa5208
      @spikespa5208 Před 4 lety

      History Guy did a video about that on May 25, 2020.

  • @batman51876
    @batman51876 Před 6 lety +7

    I just found your page yesterday, and I've watched some 20+ videos of yours. I too have a love of history, so this channel is perfect for me. Thank you for these stories.

  • @michaelburgoyne4224
    @michaelburgoyne4224 Před 5 lety +2

    British General John Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga, New York, in 1777 was pivotal in getting the French to join the American cause. He was given the moniker “The Man Who Lost America.” His defeat was caused by the high command’s failure to follow through on their commitments. (I’m not a descendant of “Gentleman Johnny” but have researched the General’s history.)
    The American hero in the defeat of Burgoyne was Benedict Arnold. There is a statue of Arnold’s boot at Saratoga. He was wounded.

  • @tonyhool1285
    @tonyhool1285 Před 6 lety +23

    This engagement is also known as the Battle of the Capes.

  • @benjaminrush4443
    @benjaminrush4443 Před 5 lety +2

    Simple Details that shouldn't be overlooked. Thank you.

  • @williamfurness9700
    @williamfurness9700 Před 5 lety +3

    You explain the battle so well, Thank you.

  • @motti886
    @motti886 Před 7 lety +5

    Saw the title and thought to myself, "I can never get enough of hearing about the Battle of North Point!" and was only half paying attention while tabbed onto another screen. I heard the name Cornwallis and thought, "No, I'm pretty sure the British commander was Ross..." And then I heard George Washington and Yorktown and suddenly my full attention shifted back over.
    I'm surprised I've never heard about this! As a native of Maryland - though no where near the Bay - one would think this would be a more well known engagement, at least locally. Thank you for the video!

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 7 lety +1

      motti886 the War of 1812 is another topic that I haven't tackled yet. So much history!

    • @bigimskiweisenheimer8325
      @bigimskiweisenheimer8325 Před 5 lety

      I don't live far from Noth Point. I too haven't heard of this one. Very interesting and I think the Maryland Historical Society should bring more light to this Battle at our historical sites around town and make sure our future generations will know of this event.

  • @goldgeologist5320
    @goldgeologist5320 Před 3 lety +1

    Wow learned something new today! Many thanks!

  • @jgood9810
    @jgood9810 Před 3 lety +1

    I live in Yorktown and still love our history

  • @burtvincent1278
    @burtvincent1278 Před 4 lety +1

    Yup I love history. I never did in school but after living through over 1/4 of U.S. history I really enjoy it now. You do a great job. Thank you.

  • @M0rmagil
    @M0rmagil Před 5 lety +1

    One of the issues that kept Lord Cochran on the wrong side of the Admiralty was his efforts in Parliament to fight corruption. He had some near disastrous equipment failures early in his career.

  • @denniswhite166
    @denniswhite166 Před 5 lety +91

    32 people who flunked History in HS and had to go to summer school disliked this video.

    • @Space.Ghost.
      @Space.Ghost. Před 5 lety +7

      48 now. Damn common core

    • @jamestheotherone742
      @jamestheotherone742 Před 5 lety +3

      They don't teach this level of history in HS. According to 'Merican Hist'ry, ol' George done whipped the Red Coats all by his self.

    • @helenel4126
      @helenel4126 Před 5 lety +4

      The flunkers should definitely be required to watch this video! And be tested on it.

    • @brucewelty7684
      @brucewelty7684 Před 4 lety +1

      unenlightened bigot

    • @mudflapmatt
      @mudflapmatt Před 4 lety +2

      It’s now at 64, at least they aren’t growing exponentially.🤔

  • @davidstillman4271
    @davidstillman4271 Před 6 lety +29

    Should have mentioned the reason Cornwallis was in the Chesapeake. The British suffered great losses at the battles of Kings Mountain and Cowpens in South Carolina. Cornwallis with his British army abandoned the southern front and retreated to the Chesapeake to lick his wounds.

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 6 lety +16

      I will probably have an episode out on Cowpens some day.

    • @davidstillman4271
      @davidstillman4271 Před 6 lety +4

      If you do an article on Cow Pens Please remember Brattensville and the Haucks defeat.

    • @MrBillsomm2000
      @MrBillsomm2000 Před 6 lety +4

      I have been to Cowpens the Colonists whipped the British in 13 minutes.

    • @TrussttN01
      @TrussttN01 Před 5 lety +4

      Not to mention the Disastrous “victory” the British had at guilford county courthouse.

    • @christopherderrah3294
      @christopherderrah3294 Před 5 lety

      Right.

  • @morskojvolk
    @morskojvolk Před 6 lety +7

    Excellent video, as usual. Thoroughly enjoying binge viewing your vids! One could write volumes about the naval history of the Chesapeake Bay (I'm sure someone has!).

  • @JamesFrost74659
    @JamesFrost74659 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Amazing, good job Sir.

  • @stevefowler2112
    @stevefowler2112 Před 6 lety +104

    Another great video...for all the disdain we toss at the French for losing two world wars without our help, it is clear that without their help during our Revolution, at best we would have remained at war with England for many more years or at worst we would have had to surrender and stop our insurrection against the crown all together.

    • @Simonsvids
      @Simonsvids Před 6 lety +7

      Yes and gained legal independence in the 19th century like Canada.

    • @donpacificbobcat9er615
      @donpacificbobcat9er615 Před 6 lety +41

      The French didn’t loose the first World War. Hell, it could be argued that they didn’t lose the second either, considering the French rebels and Charles de Gaul along with many French Colonies continued to fight against Germany even after they capitulated.

    • @donpacificbobcat9er615
      @donpacificbobcat9er615 Před 6 lety +6

      I see your German Troops, and raise to you Charles de Gaul, the leader of Free France and a major coordinator of the French Resistance.

    • @alexhayden2303
      @alexhayden2303 Před 6 lety +8

      CHURCHILL: 'I had many crosses to bear in the war but the heaviesst one, was the Cross of Lorraine'!
      'Lunch Box Lectures' Operation Torch. (YT.)

    • @jserra17
      @jserra17 Před 6 lety +43

      The French did not lose the First World War and probably contributed more to its victory than America and England.

  • @michaeldougfir9807
    @michaeldougfir9807 Před 6 lety +2

    Amazing! We need to be reminded what we Americans must be grateful for.
    I award you, O History Guy, the coveted FOUR BOW TIE AWARD.
    Let us remember.

  • @STho205
    @STho205 Před 6 lety +4

    I appreciate that you confer the strategic and tactical victories as being more important than the high death and dramatic battles we are often taught to focus upon.
    In support of that, the attrition campaign of Gen Green against Gen Cornwallis helped put him into that port at Yorktown to be resupplied or evacuated by sea. Part of the big chess game and sheer luck of circumstance. Cornwallis having left garrisoned occupied strongholds of Charles Town and Savannah (supported by the Royal Navy) to take on Gen Gates in the open for great victories; and then be lured on an adventure into the foothills of Appalachia. There his forces depleted and exhausted by Green's tactical retreat, preserving his Continentals while wearing away the campaigning Royal and Tory forces. Similar to the fate of Burgoyne.

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 6 lety +2

      S Tho all very good points. The campaign in the south was interesting. Militia and Tories played a large role. Green understood strategy. Morgan’s victory at Cowpens is under appreciated.

    • @STho205
      @STho205 Před 6 lety +2

      The History Guy: Five Minutes of History. Oh a fun five minute history might be done as a correlation to this. Take the John Trumbull painting of the surrender,shown here, and identify the men under the white flag as the VICTORIOUS French field command and color detail. That the white flag is the flag of France and the US flag flying on either side of the British column in the center. No UK flag is shown flying, as that would be furled and surrendered. Often mistaken by the modern viewer as a white flag of truce, this one wasn't. You could then discuss the history and myths surrounding of flags of surrender.

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 6 lety +1

      S Tho that is an interesting point, as the French were flying the white flag in this period.

    • @davidmarquardt2445
      @davidmarquardt2445 Před 6 lety +3

      I had heard at the surrender at Yorktown, the British were so humiliated that the band played " The World Turned Upside Down". And that makes sense, it never occurred to them the possibility they could lose to this rag-tag rabble. Sort of the 1700's British Vietnam.

    • @STho205
      @STho205 Před 6 lety

      David Marquardt we are often taught by our own 19th century historians the rag tag prose and that the Royal Army was the greatest force in the world. There were times the rag tag victories were accurate such as the Over Mountain Men against Ferguson's Tories at Kings Mountain, but it doesn't fit the Yorktown siege. By 1781 the US Continental Line under Washington had long been trained, uniformed, reorganized into companies of heavy and light REGULAR INFANTRY. Same tactics and discipline as the Crown troops from the UK and often more disciplined than Tory militias. Add to that, the US forces now had a huge French professional army in support for the first time in the war, fresh artillery and the Continentals rearmed with both cannon and musket. Yorktown was a full European classic siege for the era.
      Also, the Redcoat bugaboo. Compared to the US militia troops in 1776, the British seemed like giants,but UK troops were not the finest and mightiest army in the world in the 1780. The French had better training and superior manufactured arms. The Prussians were far more disciplined than your typical Redcoat and the Russians were much more of a militaristic culture. The British were a pseudo free society by 1770 and the military was always a budget item in their commercial corporation, not the centre of their society. We in the US today have a lot more in common with UK culture of 1770 than we'd like to think. We are cousins if not brothers.

  • @stephenbritton9297
    @stephenbritton9297 Před 6 lety +23

    Lord Cornwallis' little brother, Admiral Cornwallis never forgave Graves for abandoning his brother. The attitude of the RN at the time was quite arrogant. They hadn't lost a fleet action to the "frogs" as the despairingly called them since Beach Head. Adm. Cornwallis didn't look to Admiralty for fault, he looked to the un-imaginative and un-inspiring Graves.
    Adm. Rodney, ably assisted by Adm. Hood, were able to soundly ROUTE Degrasse at The Saintes because they and their captains displayed the initiative of command more closely associated with the RN.

    • @athopi
      @athopi Před 5 lety +5

      Hood later had a battle cruiser named after him (sunk by the Bismark, 1941) and Rodney had a battleship named after him. (helped sink Bismark- scrapped 1948)

  • @wesabaker
    @wesabaker Před 6 lety +2

    As usual, thoroughly delighted, educated and entertained, all at once! Thanks History Guy!

  • @TheFalconJetDriver
    @TheFalconJetDriver Před 5 lety +1

    I grew up in the City of Chesapeake, VA and latter lived in Yorktown, VA. Speaking of Chesapeake I would suggest a story on the Battle of Great Bridge, also in Chesapeake, VA. Another Story in History that Deserves Remembering.

  • @jesusseoane2296
    @jesusseoane2296 Před 5 lety +2

    The history guy! I think the more decisive naval battle that same year 1780 in the American revolution was the capture of 52 out 58 British ships with weapons, clothing, gold and food to supply the 40 000 troops in the americas by the Spanish Armada!

  • @alfbeef5880
    @alfbeef5880 Před 6 lety +101

    Thank you France we love you..

    • @neilwilson5785
      @neilwilson5785 Před 5 lety +2

      France was a shocking authoritarian police state at that time, but as a yank, you are right to be grateful.

    • @FredericGaillot
      @FredericGaillot Před 5 lety +18

      Do you know many authoritarian police states which let people like Voltaire, Montesquieu, Diderot, Rousseau and other philosophers create the "Age of Enlightenment" ? Lafayette was not looking for money, he was a teenager who grew up in a society which was talking about freedom and justice. The USA was just what embodied the idealistic vision of society.

    • @mathieuvigne7336
      @mathieuvigne7336 Před 4 lety +5

      @@neilwilson5785 Yes like the whole Europe, and France wasn't the most authoritarian, Louis XVI was kinda soft

    • @Raisonnance.
      @Raisonnance. Před 4 lety +1

      Merci merci on sait. 😌
      Moi-même je nous aime.

    • @biddyboy1570
      @biddyboy1570 Před 4 lety

      Alf is British. Lol

  • @Itzmihowz
    @Itzmihowz Před 5 lety +1

    Fascinating information. Excellently presented.
    Thank you

  • @01sapphireGTS
    @01sapphireGTS Před 5 lety +1

    10/10 as usual.

  • @hughejass9461
    @hughejass9461 Před 5 lety +1

    Another great video. Thank you! +1

  • @davimattos7081
    @davimattos7081 Před 5 lety +1

    Great stuff, as usual.

  • @markbyrum4743
    @markbyrum4743 Před 4 lety

    A graduate of York High School, Yorktown, Virginia, I was taught the Battle of the Chesapeake as an integral and necessary part of Washington's success in Yorktown. Good stuff. Keep at it!

  • @tnerbtnerb5136
    @tnerbtnerb5136 Před 6 lety +6

    I wonder if this is the point in history where the word "terrible" came to be synonymous with bad or inferior quality as a definition in addition to its original definition of "frightening or imposing".

  • @BLD426
    @BLD426 Před 4 lety +1

    VIVA History Guy!!

  • @robertspecht1911
    @robertspecht1911 Před rokem

    Thank History Guy!

  • @Ed-pn9id
    @Ed-pn9id Před 6 lety +3

    Wonderful.

  • @sideshowbob1544
    @sideshowbob1544 Před 6 lety +1

    Mmmmmm Sandwich... and a very concise view of how strategy affected tactics affected strategy in the battle of the Chesapeake. I guess you could say they really got Rochambeau ed.

  • @marycriaco9055
    @marycriaco9055 Před 2 lety

    This was an exceptional presentation of what if history.

  • @romad357
    @romad357 Před rokem

    Also, by luring British Admiral Graves away from the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, Admiral de Grasse made it easy for French Admiral de Barras to slip into the bay to deliver the siege guns Washington needed. It was those ships that increased the size of the French fleet and discouraged Graves from another battle.

  • @staggabob
    @staggabob Před 6 lety +29

    Other poorly performing ships in the British fleet included HMS Ungainly, HMS Unfortunate, HMS Inept and HMS Low Self Esteem...

    • @joeelliott2157
      @joeelliott2157 Před 4 lety +3

      Yes, and all with the motto "We have not yet begun to pump!".

    • @thunderbird1921
      @thunderbird1921 Před 3 lety

      Why on earth would you name your ship "Terrible"? That's a bad omen right from the start. I erupted with laughter when I learned that was the ship that sunk after the battle!

  • @cj_m2477
    @cj_m2477 Před 5 lety +1

    Another fascinating history lesson. I love this channel!!! ❤️

  • @cicero2
    @cicero2 Před 4 lety +1

    Could you remember the RN victory at the Battle of Boston Harbour between the Chesapeake and the Shannon. A surprise victory for we Brits, I believe. Thanks for your videos. History is a fascinating subject alright.

  • @waitaminute-vw9hf
    @waitaminute-vw9hf Před 5 lety +1

    Great channel! Especially like the history of the American Revolution.

  • @joshgeiger9090
    @joshgeiger9090 Před 7 lety +23

    I love taking a moment to thank the guy who's credited with inventing the sandwich for American freedom.

  • @elviejodelmar2795
    @elviejodelmar2795 Před 6 lety +3

    The fate of the poor British soldier and sailor through history may, perhaps be summed up in Marshal Soult's quote (true or just a line from the movie?) on seeing the charge of the Scots Greys at Waterloo, "They are the noblest cavalry in Europe and the worst led."

  • @JR-qz3zt
    @JR-qz3zt Před 5 lety +1

    I really enjoy your videos. I'm no historian however, the past is fascinating to me. Thank you.

  • @AZ-vg6li
    @AZ-vg6li Před 6 lety +2

    Thank you for this very interesting historic analysis.Oh yes...history is full of ironic circumstances,when looked in hindsight.

  • @harryschaefer5887
    @harryschaefer5887 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for teaching me this important American History. I've spent a lot of time sailing and racing on the Chesapeake, and love the Chesapeake, but I was not aware of this Battle.

  • @dankrowpman1201
    @dankrowpman1201 Před 4 lety

    This is a great! I have seen historical markers and monuments describing this Naval Battle on local Virginia Beach military bases. Both on Fort Story and Fort Monroe.

  • @CranialAccess
    @CranialAccess Před 5 lety +1

    Love Colonial history, thanks for sharing this!

  • @brijstaker
    @brijstaker Před 5 lety

    How do people give these informative snippets a thumbs down? Thanks Sir!!!

  • @adamg.5525
    @adamg.5525 Před 6 lety

    I'm glad this battle is finally talked about. I live in Southern Maryland and so many people don't know about this at all.

  • @old_guard2431
    @old_guard2431 Před 5 lety +36

    Although I was well aware of this naval battle, as usual you present issues and points I was unaware of in a remarkably coherent and compact format. I do take issue with your conclusion.
    George Washington was a paradox - at the same time, one of the most revered generals in history and the most underestimated. He had a genius for playing a losing hand, which is a lot less splashy. He could lose a battle while inflicting significant damage on his enemy and withdrawing his out-gunned, out-trained and out-supplied army intact. He was absolutely relentless.
    You can lose every battle but the last one. George Washington was inevitably going to win the last one. If the British had been able to evacuate Cornwallis, it would not have been the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. Might have been the Battle of Somewhere Else in 1791. But he was going to win it.

    • @zjean3417
      @zjean3417 Před 3 lety +2

      He was going to win it unless the British would have spent more and sent more of their men into the colony. The British could have very easily crushed the revolutionaries but they didn't because their other colonies were being threatened by France and Spain.

    • @danielboggan2479
      @danielboggan2479 Před 2 lety

      @@zjean3417 no they couldn’t have “easily” done that.
      They straight up couldn’t afford too

  • @kenshores9900
    @kenshores9900 Před 5 lety

    Very good point that history is a series of events. The persistent will prevail. Good video

  • @laterdudesaint
    @laterdudesaint Před 6 lety

    with my attention deficit your stories are just right .. you are concise.

  • @rogerhuber3133
    @rogerhuber3133 Před 4 lety

    Just ANOTHER great story told by The Master!!! Thanks for the amazing entertainment.

  • @normanboyes4983
    @normanboyes4983 Před 6 lety +3

    Thank you.👍

  • @kkkerr4103
    @kkkerr4103 Před 3 lety

    hey man history guy....you.....ROCK !!!!!
    words fail me in my effort to commend and recommend your efforts to present your many and extremely varied short stories that deliver seemingly endless and in depth informative coverage, and, and, well, you say so much more in less time and space than i do...i would much rather listen to you than me......just had to tell you i appreciate what you do and i have told anyone and everyone that will listen to listen to your rememberances...is that even a word? i hope at some point you will be able to present some of our unfortunate present day soon to be past days of governmental woes in an interesting and, well, presentable way...thank you sir and keep 'em flyin'....

  • @user-vm5ud4xw6n
    @user-vm5ud4xw6n Před 3 lety

    Didn’t used to like history. Starting to enjoy it more. Thanks History Guy!

  • @pjosephlthewonder5082

    I know this was released years back, but I found a paper I wrote way back in my high school days (1978 when I did it!) about this Naval battle and the mass significant it was to the founding of the US as a country. I remembered that you had done this piece of History to be Remembered and wanted to compare what I had for information and what you presented. I was amazed to find that the narrative was mostly the same. I did not have information on the state of readiness of either fleet as you presented, or that the troops the French came with were not actually the ones meant to be relocated for the war. I got graded with a B+ with the note "Fantastic article, but I believe you missed some fine points about the fleets." Seems then that my teacher know a lot more about this as you do. Just thought I would say something about history of a history paper about this major event. Peace

  • @sameyers2670
    @sameyers2670 Před 6 lety +1

    Thank you for making another interesting video. Yours is one of my favourite channels. Bunga Bunga!

  • @thomasodonnell9221
    @thomasodonnell9221 Před 5 lety +7

    This country owes it's independence to France.

  • @rawmaster50
    @rawmaster50 Před 6 lety

    Just laughing at the story and the history we took so much pride in when I was much younger. Thank you

  • @Chance-ry1hq
    @Chance-ry1hq Před 5 lety

    You are a very good story teller. History at it’s best.

  • @macnutz4206
    @macnutz4206 Před 5 lety

    Thank you very much. I knew there had been an "inconclusive" fight between British and French ships in Chesapeake but was not aware of why it was so important. More reading to do. There always is.

  • @armandoocampo5146
    @armandoocampo5146 Před 7 lety +10

    for some reason I read the battle of "cheesecake" and I was so confused cause I never heard of it and thought "wow did they fought over cheesecake?" I blame the lack of sleep

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 7 lety +7

      There was, at one point, a "pastry war." Expect five minutes on that soon.

    • @armandoocampo5146
      @armandoocampo5146 Před 7 lety +1

      The History Guy: Five Minutes of History ahhh the French Vs the Mexicans don't hear much about that one

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 7 lety +3

      A chaotic period in Mexican history and another chapter in the story of López de Santa Anna. It deserves to be remembered.

    • @armandoocampo5146
      @armandoocampo5146 Před 7 lety +1

      The History Guy: Five Minutes of History can't wait to see it. I'm guessing we will eventually get one on the Saint Patrick battalion and the Mexican Amercian war. with the battle of Chaputltapic and Los niños herues

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 7 lety

      armando ocampo The San Patricos: czcams.com/video/kGPITxtpChc/video.html. And yes, there will be more on the war with Mexico.

  • @FreeFallingAir
    @FreeFallingAir Před 4 lety

    Can’t get enough, I know this is an older vid but I’m catching up! You are by far one of the very best historical CZcamsr there is!

  • @patrickmcglonejr8163
    @patrickmcglonejr8163 Před 5 lety +1

    Definitely deserves to be remembered!

  • @danielkaster2648
    @danielkaster2648 Před 5 lety

    Best video yet

  • @dmahlgre23
    @dmahlgre23 Před 6 lety +1

    Love history, love your channel, keep up the history.( And bow ties)

  • @matthewkuchinski1769
    @matthewkuchinski1769 Před 6 lety +2

    It was a really great thing for Washington that Rochambeau decided to make little maneuvers which forced Washington to attack Yorktown instead of New York City. After all, if he had attacked New York, Washington would have been confronted by one of the best fortified cities in American history, as the British not only reused the works created by Washington's Continentals and militia in 1776, but also erected more defensive lines to protect the city. Plus, the naval assets around New York were stronger than those located in Virginia, giving the British Army a source of firepower support.

    • @raggedyman511
      @raggedyman511 Před 5 lety

      Also New York was a loyalist city, The people cheered when the British captured it.

  • @cameronwright440
    @cameronwright440 Před 11 měsíci

    As usual, fantastic presentation !!!

  • @luciennerizk4549
    @luciennerizk4549 Před rokem

    I always said they did just that, even though it was never expressed. It was friends helping friends in need.

  • @brucetolleson2286
    @brucetolleson2286 Před 6 lety

    Great Stuff. I have known of the battle but the details about the ship condition and command decisions were enlightening. What was the Battle on Lake Ontario near Sodus Point?

    • @TheHistoryGuyChannel
      @TheHistoryGuyChannel  Před 6 lety

      There was a battle during the war of 1812 between militia and British marines, June of 1813

  • @LostInThe0zone
    @LostInThe0zone Před 5 lety

    Amazingly, I remember being taught about this battle in high school. I'll bet that doesn't happen much anymore.

  • @TheKoyotetracker
    @TheKoyotetracker Před 5 lety +3

    You didn't even mention the taking control of the airports.

  • @BuzzSargent
    @BuzzSargent Před 6 lety

    I forwarded the video on Magellan and Lapu Lapu to my FB page so students I know in the Philippines could view your show. Happy Trails !

  • @khanservativ2401
    @khanservativ2401 Před 3 lety

    great channel

  • @stevemccarthy4713
    @stevemccarthy4713 Před 6 lety

    I love your snippets of History! Thanks so much for your insights. I'd like to make a recommendation for you to consider. The USS England DE-635 was a Buckley class destroyer escort in the second world war. During a 2 week period she was responsible for 6 Japanese submarines being sunk, almost the entire 7th submarine squadron, thus wiping out an entire patrol line of the Japanese. This anti-submarine warfare performance was never matched in World War II, and won for England a Presidential Unit Citation, and the assurance from the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral E. J. King, "There'll always be an England in the United States Navy." His pledge was fulfilled on 6 October 1960, when DLG-22 was assigned the name England. I first read about this in the July 1971 issue of Sea Classics Magazine. "This is History to be remembered".

  • @leonrouillier2291
    @leonrouillier2291 Před 3 lety +1

    This video is an example of how you have gotten me through the COVID Pandemic. It is well narrated (as always) and illustrated. I have recommended "The History Guy" to many friends and accuantices. I am a huge fan.

  • @Sukiicore
    @Sukiicore Před 4 lety

    I love you dude, you helped me so much on my history report. thank you so much

  • @RANDOMNATION907
    @RANDOMNATION907 Před 6 lety +1

    It amazes me how often world history and military history are one in the same.

  • @kellybreen5526
    @kellybreen5526 Před 5 lety +2

    The problems in the RN were well known but ignored. It was not the same Navy that had won the Seven Years War. Part of the reason for the decline was cost cutting because that war had been very expensive. Losing America was a real shock and forced reform on the RN, but this was arguably a good turn of events. Had the Revolution failed and had the RN not been forced to improve itself it may not have performed as well in the truly important war of the 18 and 19th Century - the Napoleonic Wars. An inefficient navy in 1795 could have meant a British defeat and Napoleon may have won his war.

  • @TheTgfrazier
    @TheTgfrazier Před 5 lety

    Excellent. Informative and entertaining!

  • @marlineharrold1937
    @marlineharrold1937 Před 5 lety

    awesome. Thank you for sharing. :D

  • @bak-mariterry9143
    @bak-mariterry9143 Před 5 lety

    I live in this area, Norfolk, VA. Please look onto the Battle of Great Bridge , Chesapeake, VA. or the Battle of Craney Island, Portsmouth, VA. TY History Guy .

  • @ihamptonii
    @ihamptonii Před 6 lety +2

    Great job! How long does it take to do research for these videos?

  • @guysenter1802
    @guysenter1802 Před 6 lety

    Please read "The First Salute", by Barbara Tuchman (of Guns of August fame) to those who wish to see more of this "forgotten" history. Sir Admiral Rodney was not even mentioned in this documentary, while he figures largely in Ms. Tuchman's book. Animated graphics of the "other path" DeGrasse took from the Carribean as well as the tactics on the day of the battle would have been nice. This critique is for the History Guy to improve a wonderful production (continuous improvement...), I really enjoyed this video.

  • @TedBronson1918
    @TedBronson1918 Před 5 lety

    Great video HG ! As I listened to this though, the names Larry, Moe and Curly kept coming to mind. I know it's an unfair comparison, but what the hey. It still made me smile.

  • @daviddirranebowes3478
    @daviddirranebowes3478 Před 5 lety +2

    Good to remember the debt the US owes to France. The victory on the Chesapeake was crucial but only one of the many gifts from the French during the Revolution. Gold, guns, powder, uniforms, not to mention their Troops and Navy.

  • @arailway8809
    @arailway8809 Před 5 lety

    Beautiful work

  • @GathKingLeppbertI
    @GathKingLeppbertI Před 5 lety

    I never knew about this. Thanks!