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

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 History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered (formerly "Five Minutes of History") is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.

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The episode is intended for educational purposes. All events are presented in historical context.

#usrevolutionarywar #militaryhistory #thehistoryguy

[jeffreygraf]

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.

[aaronmckaig]

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..

[guyfawkes]

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.

[wickerman]

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.

[batman]

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.

[kenf]

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.

[MikeJowsey]

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

[benjaminrush]

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

[williamfurness]

You explain the battle so well, Thank you.

[CosmasNDamian]

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

[morskojvolk]

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!).

[burtvincent]

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.

[goldgeologist]

Wow learned something new today! Many thanks!

[almyska]

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".

[Itzmihowz]

Fascinating information. Excellently presented.
Thank you

[corycollier]

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

[JimFortune]

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

[motti]

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!

[absentmindedprof]

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!

[wesabaker]

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