The Yorktown Campaign Quiz

In the summer of 1781, after years of stalemate in the American Revolutionary War, General Washington and French General Rochambeau decided to attack British General Cornwallis at Yorktown. They deceived the British with fake plans to attack New York City. Meanwhile, French Admiral De Grasse blocked British reinforcements by sea. The allied forces surrounded Yorktown, and after intense preparations, began digging trenches to bombard the city. The outcome of the battle hinged on the success of these efforts.

What was the strategic position of British General Cornwallis in 1781?

• He was retreating to Canada.

• He was entrenched in Yorktown, Virginia.

• He was stationed in New York City.

• He was leading a campaign in Boston.

Why did Rochambeau disagree with Washington's initial plan to attack New York City?

• He believed it was too far from their current position.

• He preferred to attack Boston.

• He thought it would be too costly and difficult.

• He wanted to negotiate peace instead.

How did Washington deceive the British about his true intentions?

• By pretending to retreat to Boston.

• By sending fake dispatches indicating an attack on New York City.

• By disguising his troops as civilians.

• By negotiating a false peace treaty.

What was the outcome of the Battle of the Chesapeake?

• The British fleet defeated the French.

• The French fleet successfully blocked the British.

• The battle ended in a stalemate.

• Both fleets retreated without engaging.

What was the role of Admiral De Grasse in the Yorktown Campaign?

• He led the American ground forces.

• He commanded the French fleet that blocked British reinforcements.

• He was a British spy.

• He negotiated the surrender of Yorktown.

What was the significance of Gloucester Point during the siege of Yorktown?

• It served as a potential escape route for the British.

• It was the main American camp.

• It was a French stronghold.

• It was a neutral zone.

What defensive measures did Cornwallis take to protect Yorktown?

• He surrendered without a fight.

• He built a series of redoubts and trenches.

• He evacuated the city.

• He requested immediate reinforcements from Canada.

What was the main challenge faced by Washington and Rochambeau in setting up their cannon for the bombardment of Yorktown?

• Insufficient manpower.

• The need to dig long trenches called parallels.

• Lack of ammunition.

• Poor weather conditions.

What was the main objective of the trench digging operation by the American and French forces?

• To create a safe retreat path.

• To build a defensive wall around their camp.

• To find a hidden supply of weapons.

• To set up cannon for a direct bombardment of Yorktown.

What was the outcome of the French diversionary attack during the trench digging operation?

• It failed to distract the British.

• It led to a British counterattack.

• It successfully kept the British occupied.

• It resulted in heavy French casualties.