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.

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.