Final answer:
The Battle of Yorktown in October 1781 was a significant turning point in the American Revolution. It marked the surrender of the British forces and was the last major action of the war. The battle led to the recognition of the colonies' independence from Great Britain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Battle of Yorktown, which took place in October 1781, was a significant event in the American Revolution. It marked a turning point in the war as it led to the eventual surrender of the British forces under the command of Lieutenant General Lord William Cornwallis. The battle took place in Yorktown, Virginia, and involved the American forces led by General George Washington and the support of the French army.
The historical context of the Battle of Yorktown can be traced back to the British military command change with General Charles Cornwallis taking charge. He aimed to reverse past outcomes and stop the Continental Army's progress. However, he was eventually surrounded by over 9,500 American and 7,800 French forces, leading to his surrender at Yorktown.
The significance of the Battle of Yorktown lies in the fact that it was the last major action of the American Revolution. The British defeat at Yorktown made the outcome of the war almost certain and led to the Parliament of Great Britain voting to end further military operations against the rebels and begin peace negotiations. This battle ultimately paved the way for the recognition of the independence of the original 13 colonies from Great Britain.