October 21, 1781 - British and German soldiers begin their journey to prison camps in Winchester, Virginia, Frederick, Maryland and Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

October 24, 1781 - Washington orders the allied fortifications leveled.

November 3, 1781 - Washington begins to move the Continental army back to winter quarters at Newburgh, New York. French forces remain in Yorktown, Williamsburg and Gloucester Point over the winter.

November 25, 1781 - Word of the defeat reaches London. When informed of the disaster, Prime Minister Lord North exclaims, "Oh God, it is all over."

February 28, 1782 - Reflecting popular mood and opinion, Parliament authorizes the King to negotiate an end to the war.

March 20, 1782 - A vote of "no confidence" forces Lord North to resign from office. The new government, under Lord Rockingham, opens negotiations with American commissioners in Paris.

November 30, 1782 - American and British commissioners agree to terms for peace.

September 3, 1783 - The Treaty of Paris is ratified in its final form. The treaty ends the war and establishes American independence.

November 25, 1783 - British forces evacuate New York City, their last stronghold in the United States.


Compiled and written by Jim Eccleston, July 1993

 

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