General Charles Cornwallis retreated from the Carolinas and marched north into Virginia primarily because he decided he could not win in the Carolinas after losing two key battles. His defeat at the Battle of Cowpens in January 1781 and the British loss at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in March 1781 significantly weakened his forces and undermined his position in the South. Faced with increasing difficulties and the growing strength of American resistance, Cornwallis sought to consolidate his forces and shift his strategy by moving to Virginia, where he hoped to regroup and establish a stronger offensive position.
Why did General Charles Cornwallis retreat from the Carolinas and march north into Virginia?
Cornwallis had been ordered to take the offensive to Yorktown, Virginia.
Cornwallis had been ordered to pursue American commander Daniel Morgan.
Cornwallis had decided he could not win the Carolinas after losing two key battles.
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