Battle of Yorktown

Battle of Yorktown

October 9, 1781

The Battle of Yorktown

• The Battle of Yorktown, although it didn’t officially end the Revolutionary War, was notable because it was the last major battle in the war. 

• This battle led to the surrender of British General Charles Cornwallis.

• At this point in the war, French troops were fighting alongside American troops, and the Americans were taking a more offensive approach to the war.

•  By September 28, 1781, American General George Washington and his troops had surrounded Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia.

Multiple Choice

The Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle in the Revolutionary war.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The colonists were getting help in the war from the French.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The Colonists troops allowed Cornwallis to escape back to the harbor.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Cornwallis was the leader of the Colonist troops.

• True

• False

Battle of Yorktown

• Meanwhile, 24 French war ships had blocked off all sea escape routes. Cornwallis was trapped on Yorktown Peninsula.

• After three weeks of heavy fighting, Cornwallis reluctantly decided that there was nothing left to do but surrender.

• His surrender opened the door for negotiations between Britain and America, leading to the acceptance of the Treaty of Paris.

Multiple Choice

The French were helping the Colonist army against the British troops.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The British troops blocked the sea escape routes.

• True

• False

Poll

Cornwallis was allowed to leave the harbor.

• Yes

• No

Open Ended

What agreement did the three week battle lead to?