Why were the British soldiers unable to escape from Continental forces at the Siege of Yorktown?

Question

A.
Warships were patrolling the river and harbor.

B.
Bad weather conditions kept them from escaping by sea.

C.
Disorganized leadership and lack of information led to a failed retreat.

D.
Continental troops were able to surround them due to the lack of British artillery.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. Warships were patrolling the river and harbor.

At the Siege of Yorktown in 1781, the British forces under General Cornwallis were effectively trapped. The French fleet, along with the American and French ground forces, blockaded the Chesapeake Bay and prevented any British ships from coming in or going out, which meant Cornwallis could not escape by sea. This blockade was a crucial factor in the British inability to retreat successfully from the siege.