Battle of Chesapeake

The Battle of Chesapeake, fought on September 5, 1781, was a decisive naval engagement during the American Revolutionary War. It took place off the coast of Virginia between the British fleet, commanded by Admiral Thomas Graves, and the French fleet, led by Admiral François de Grasse. The French victory prevented British reinforcements from reaching General Cornwallis, who was besieged at Yorktown. This strategic win helped secure American independence by allowing General George Washington's forces to successfully trap and ultimately defeat Cornwallis's army, leading to the end of major fighting in the war.