You're listening to an Airwave Media podcast.

Hello, and welcome to Ben Franklin's World Revisited, a series of classic episodes that bring fresh perspective to our latest episodes and had deeper connections to our understanding

of early American history. And I'm your host, Liz Covart. What did it take to end the war for

independence? When we think of the American Revolution's final chapter, we think of the siege of Yorktown.

Between September 28 and October 19, 1781, British forces endured

a siege by the Franco-American forces that ultimately led to a triumphant victory, British recognition

of American independence, and the birth of a new nation. But the real story of Yorktown and its

victory is far more layered.

It involved international alliances, enslaved people seeking freedom, and years of hardship.

Today, we're revisiting the events of October 1781 as we revisit Episode 33.

In this episode, we joined three historians, Marcus Navius, Ed Ayers, and Gretchen Johnson,

who help us uncover how American, French, and British forces converged at Yorktown,

the vital role of the French Army and Navy in securing victory,

and what this final battle looked like on the ground for soldiers, civilians, and black Virginians alike.

But our look at Yorktown is really just us starting at the end of the story.

Next week, in episode 424, we'll join Andrew Lawler for an exciting exploration of the American Revolution in Virginia and the war on the Virginia Peninsula, an exploration that includes a look at Dunworth's proclamation

on its 250th anniversary.

Are you ready to investigate the siege of Yorktown?

Let's jump right into this history.

April 29, 1777, dined at Yorktown 24 miles from Hampton, Virginia.

This is a pleasant town situated upon York River, which is navigable for the largest ships

close to the town. Here is several very good gentlemen's houses built of brick,

...