Final answer:
The Siege of Charleston started on March 29, 1780, and ended on May 12, 1780. The British forces under General Sir Henry Clinton achieved victory over American forces commanded by Major General Benjamin Lincoln after a six-week siege resulted in the largest American loss of the war.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Siege of Charleston began on March 29, 1780, and ended after a devastating loss for the American forces on May 12, 1780. The British forces, commanded by General Sir Henry Clinton, besieged Charleston, South Carolina, and cut off the city from the rest of the state.
American Major General Benjamin Lincoln held command over American forces, which totaled 5,466, in stark contrast to the British force of 13,500. After weeks of resistance, the Americans suffered their greatest defeat of the war with 76 losses compared to the British's 92. The British executed a well-strategized assault, culminating in a final artillery barrage using 'hot shot' to enforce the American surrender.
Leading up to the surrender, attempts by General Lincoln to have the force surrender with honor were repeatedly refused by Clinton. Finally, under substantial pressure and threat, Lincoln surrendered without condition, marking this battle as a significant British victory and a pivotal low point for the American Revolution in the South. Despite future wins, the British faced a challenging campaign going forward, which ultimately concluded at the Battle of Yorktown.