Oklahoma Social Studies 5.C.4.4.F
The Standard
- 5.C.4
- Examine the struggles of the Revolutionary War and ultimate victory to gain independence.
- 5.C.4.4
- Analyze the relationships of significant military and diplomatic events of the Revolutionary War.
Describe how the support of the French army and navy helped Americans defeat Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Social Studies (2026) · 5.C.4.4
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain how French soldiers helped American troops surround Cornwallis at Yorktown. They explain how French warships blocked British help by sea, leaving Cornwallis trapped.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given a map, a student places French troops with the American forces on land and French ships on the sea route. They explain why Cornwallis could not get help or escape and surrendered.
Common Misconceptions
- Some students think Washington's army won without French troops. Others think French ships only carried soldiers, rather than blocking British rescue ships.
How to Assess It
- Give students a map showing Yorktown and the nearby water routes. Ask them to mark where French soldiers and ships acted, then write how each helped trap Cornwallis.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
On a paper Yorktown map, use counters to surround British troops with American and French soldiers, then block the sea route with French ships.
Write two sentences answering: Why did Washington need both French soldiers on land and French ships at sea to defeat Cornwallis?
Give pairs four cards labeled French soldiers, French ships, surround Yorktown, and block British rescue; race to match each force with its action.
Sketch a warehouse with a road and boat dock; have students block both delivery routes and connect each blockade to Yorktown.
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