American Revolution - Siege of Yorktown

Here are two stamps celebrating the siege of Yorktown (28 Sept. through 19 Oct. 1781), the major victory and turning point of the American Revolution that led to the independence of the former British colonies.

The red stamp was issued in 1931 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the siege. It shows Washington of course who was in charge of the Continental army, and two French officers: General Rochambeau and Admiral De Grasse. Both of them had been sent by Louis XVI with troops, guns and ships... And so the balance shifted...

The blue stamps were issued 50 years later for the bicentennial of the victory. They illustrate the battle fought on land where Washington and Rochambeau outnumbered the British armies led by General Cornwallis and the Virginia Capes naval battle where De Grasse defeated the British navy... The rest is History!