The naval battle credited with securing American independence during the Revolutionary War is the Battle of Yorktown, fought in 1781. This decisive engagement saw American and French forces, led by General George Washington and the Comte de Rochambeau, lay siege to British General Cornwallis's army. The French navy, under Admiral de Grasse, played a crucial role by blocking British reinforcements and forcing Cornwallis to surrender. The victory at Yorktown effectively ended major combat operations in the colonies, leading to negotiations and ultimately the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized American independence from Britain.