Cornwallis Surrenders at Yorktown

October 17th, 1781

October 17th, 1781

Cornwallis Surrenders at Yorktown
How Long Ago?

243 years, 4 months, 26 days ago

Location

Yorktown, Virginia, United States

Category

Military & Warfare

War/Conflict

American Revolutionary War

People
  • George Washington
  • Charles Cornwallis
  • Marquis de Lafayette
  • Comte de Rochambeau
Links & References
Tags

Cornwallis Surrenders at Yorktown

British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington at Yorktown, marking the end of major combat in the American Revolutionary War. After weeks of siege, the combined American and French forces effectively cornered Cornwallis's troops. This decisive victory was key to securing future negotiations for American independence, as it significantly weakened British resolve and military presence in the colonies.

Decisive battle ending major combat in the war

Combined American and French forces played key roles

Cornwallis's surrender shifted British strategy

Led to future negotiations for American independence

What Happened?

The Siege of Yorktown was a critical confrontation during the American Revolutionary War. After successive defeats and dwindling resources, British General Charles Cornwallis established his forces at Yorktown, Virginia, in the summer of 1781. Recognizing the vulnerability of his position, American General George Washington took advantage of the situation by coordinating a siege with French forces under General Rochambeau. The combined siege maneuvered to block supplies and reinforcements, culminating in the entrapment of Cornwallis's troops. Over the course of the siege, Cornwallis found himself increasingly isolated, with French naval support preventing escape by sea. On October 17, surrender negotiations commenced, leading to Cornwallis’s formal capitulation a day later.

The surrender at Yorktown was monumental for American forces, symbolizing a pivotal turning point in the fight for independence. The formal surrender ceremony took place on October 19, when Cornwallis, shame-faced, did not even attend the event, instead sending his subordinates to deliver the formalities. This act was met with celebratory cheers by the American and French troops, solidifying a rare moment of unity and cooperation between the two allied forces. The victory at Yorktown effectively halted large-scale military operations in America, leading to peace negotiations over the following years.

Why Does it Matter?

Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown signified a crushing blow to British military ambitions in America, prompting a reassessment of their strategy. It directly led to the onset of peace negotiations between the United States and Great Britain. This moment underscored the effectiveness of the alliance between French and American forces and epitomized the spirit of cooperation which was crucial in winning independence. The victory galvanized support for the revolutionary cause and paved the way for the eventual signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, recognizing American sovereignty.

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