Surrender at Yorktown

The Surrender at Yorktown occurred in October 1781 during the American Revolutionary War. It marked a decisive victory for the American colonists, led by General George Washington, and their French allies against British General Cornwallis. Cornwallis's forces became trapped in Yorktown, Virginia, by a combined American and French army, along with a French naval blockade. After weeks of siege, Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending major fighting in the war. This victory was pivotal, as it demonstrated the feasibility of American independence, ultimately leading to peace negotiations and the recognition of the United States as an independent nation in 1783.