The key mistake that British General Charles Cornwallis made that ultimately led to his defeat was that he retreated to Yorktown where he was trapped. Cornwallis chose Yorktown as a defensive position, believing it would be safe due to the expected support from the British navy. However, the French fleet blocked his escape by sea, and the Continental Army, led by George Washington, along with French forces, laid siege to the town. This combination of being cut off by land and sea ultimately led to Cornwallis's surrender in October 1781, marking a decisive victory for the American forces in the Revolutionary War.
What was the mistake British General Charles Cornwallis made that ultimately caused his defeat?
He failed to cut off supply routes to the Carolinas.
He failed to cut off supply routes to the Carolinas.
He miscalculated the strength of the Continental Army in Charlottesville, VA
He miscalculated the strength of the Continental Army in Charlottesville, VA
He retreated to Yorktown where he was trapped.
He retreated to Yorktown where he was trapped.
He failed to listen to Benedict Arnold who informed him of key information about the Americans.
He failed to listen to Benedict Arnold who informed him of key information about the Americans.
3 answers
are you sure
Yes, I am sure. General Cornwallis's retreat to Yorktown was a critical mistake that resulted in his being trapped. In September 1781, he set up his defenses there, expecting to receive naval support from the British fleet. However, the French navy successfully blocked his position, preventing the arrival of reinforcements and supplies. Meanwhile, Washington and the French forces laid siege to Yorktown, which culminated in Cornwallis's surrender on October 19, 1781. This defeat was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War, leading to negotiations for peace and ultimately the recognition of American independence.