Final answer:
During the 1781 Siege of Yorktown, British General Cornwallis and his troops faced severe constraints, as they were surrounded by American and French forces. The British were prevented from escaping by the French naval blockade and suffered from limited supplies and continuous bombardment, culminating in Cornwallis's surrender and an important American victory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Living Conditions During the Battle of Yorktown
During the summer of 1781, British General Charles Cornwallis expected to reinforce his troops by linking up with General Sir Henry Clinton in New York. However, he found his forces trapped in Yorktown, Virginia, a strategic tobacco port. In September of 1781, a large combined force of 16,000 American and French soldiers besieged Cornwallis's troops, effectively sealing them on the peninsula formed by the York River, the Chesapeake Bay, and the James River. The situation for the British army grew dire as they built defensive works and waited for relief from the British Navy—a relief that was thwarted when the French Admiral de Grasse blocked their seaward escape route.
The siege of Yorktown lasted from September 28 until the British surrender on October 19, 1781. The living conditions for British troops were incredibly challenging; they were not only confined and surrounded but also faced constant bombardment and dwindling supplies. Despite Cornwallis's attempt to break the siege and flee across the York River to Gloucester Point, his plan failed due to the control exerted by the French Navy and the lack of timely reinforcements. Eventually, facing an untenable situation and hopeless prospects, Cornwallis surrendered, leading to a pivotal American victory in the Revolutionary War.