Question

Cornwallis was defeated at Yorktown because:

a. he was overwhelmed by Washington's much larger and better-trained army.
b. General Clinton had withdrawn from Yorktown, leaving Cornwallis vulnerable.
c. King George III ordered an end to the war.
d. most of his troops were cold, starving, and ready to surrender.
e. he had no land or water escape route.

Answer 1

Cornwallis was defeated at Yorktown because he was trapped on the peninsula and unable to escape. American and French forces laid siege to his army, blocking any escape routes. General Clinton's withdrawal from Yorktown also left Cornwallis vulnerable.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cornwallis was defeated at Yorktown because he was trapped on the peninsula, unable to escape by land or water. A combined force of American and French troops laid siege to Cornwallis's army, effectively blocking any escape routes. Additionally, Cornwallis did not have the support of General Clinton, who had withdrawn from Yorktown, leaving Cornwallis vulnerable.