Answer:
General Charles Cornwallis was defeated through a combination of military tactics and strategic decisions made by the American forces during the American Revolutionary War. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how Cornwallis was defeated:
1. Siege of Yorktown: In 1781, the American and French forces, led by General George Washington and General Jean-Baptiste de Rochambeau, launched a siege on the British forces commanded by General Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia.
2. Naval blockade: The French navy, under Admiral de Grasse, effectively blockaded Chesapeake Bay, preventing Cornwallis from receiving reinforcements or supplies by sea.
3. Trapped at Yorktown: As the siege progressed, Cornwallis and his forces were surrounded and trapped at Yorktown by the American and French armies. This prevented him from escaping or receiving support from other British troops.
4. Coordinated attack: The American and French forces worked together in a coordinated manner, launching attacks from both land and sea. This put immense pressure on Cornwallis and weakened his defenses.
5. Bombardment: The besieging forces bombarded Cornwallis' positions with artillery fire, causing significant damage to the British defenses and morale.
6. Digging trenches: The American and French forces dug trenches and built fortifications to protect themselves from British counterattacks. This allowed them to maintain a strong defensive position while continuously weakening Cornwallis' forces.
7. Surrender: Eventually, Cornwallis realized that his situation was hopeless and on October 19, 1781, he surrendered his army to General Washington. This surrender at Yorktown is considered a turning point in the Revolutionary War and a significant victory for the American forces.
In summary, General Cornwallis was defeated through a combination of a well-executed siege, naval blockade, coordinated attacks, continuous bombardment, defensive fortifications, and the eventual surrender of his forces. The strategic decisions and military tactics employed by the American and French forces played a crucial role in securing this important victory during the American Revolutionary War.
Step-by-step explanation:
General Charles Cornwallis was defeated when he surrendered to a combined American and French force at the siege of Yorktown. The siege of Yorktown was a decisive battle in the American Revolutionary War, which took place in 1781. The American and French troops laid siege to Yorktown, Virginia, where Cornwallis and his British forces were located. The combined forces surrounded Cornwallis and his troops, cutting off their supplies and preventing them from escaping or receiving reinforcements. This led to Cornwallis realizing that his position was untenable and he subsequently surrendered. This surrender is considered a turning point in the war and played a significant role in securing the eventual victory for the American colonies.