By 1781 Britain's struggle to contain the rebels in her American colonies had reached an inglorious stalemate. After six years of inconclusive action, George Washington's rebuilt Continental Army marched on Yorktown - with support from the French. The siege of Yorktown began in late September and ended in mid-October when Cornwallis surrendered. Although the British officers captured were allowed to sail home, the rank and file marched off into captivity. The Franco-American victory at Yorktown ended Britain's chances of winning the war. Their triumph led directly to the Treaty of Paris and the birth of the United States as an independent nation.

Includes maps of: Colonial North America; Virginia, 1775-1781; [Great Bridge] (2); Richmond, 5 JAN 1781; Landing at Burwell's Ferry, 17 APR 1781; Cornwallis v. Lafayette; Action at Spencer's Ordinary, 26 JUN 1781; Engagement at Green Spring, 6 JUL 1781; Skirmish at Petersburg, 25 APR 1781; Action at Osborne's, 27 APR 1781; Allies March South; Capes Battle I; Capes Battle II; Allies Advance on Yorktown and Gloucester, 28 SEP-3 OCT 1781; Siege of Yorktown, 1-19 OCT 1781. Includes index.

The road to Yorktown -- The seat of war -- The opposing commanders -- The opposing armies -- The campaign in Virginia 1781 -- Naval operations : March-October 1781 -- The siege of Yorktown -- Aftermath -- The battlefields today -- Chronology -- Wargaming the Yorktown Campaign.