The Battle of the Chesapeake was a significant naval engagement in the American Revolutionary War involving the French and British navies. Under the command of Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse, the French fleet sought to support the American forces led by General George Washington in their campaign against British troops. The British, commanded by Admiral Thomas Graves, aimed to reinforce their position and maintain control over the Chesapeake Bay. The battle unfolded from September 5 to September 6, 1781, in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, near the coasts of Virginia. The French strategically positioned their ships to counter British maneuvers and ultimately prevented Graves from breaking through and accessing the American forces in a timely manner.

As the French fleet engaged the British, they brought superior tactics and coordination, using favorable winds and positioning to their advantage. This clash was notable not only for its immediate military outcomes but also for its implications on the larger struggle for American independence. De Grasse’s success in the Chesapeake denied the British navy the ability to reinforce General Cornwallis, who had moved his troops into a fortified position in Yorktown. Consequently, this naval battle directly influenced the subsequent Siege of Yorktown, where American and French forces laid siege to Cornwallis, leading to his surrender later that October.

The battle was marked by fierce combat, with both sides applying their naval strategies to gain dominance in the area. The successful defense by the French Navy was not just a military victory but also showcased the vital alliance between France and the American colonies. This partnership proved pivotal in turning the tide of the war, highlighting the importance of international support in achieving the colonies' objectives against British rule.