Which British general surrendered his entire force of seven thousand in October 1781?

The correct answer, Charles Cornwallis, is significant due to his role in the Siege of Yorktown, which culminated in his surrender on October 19, 1781. This event marked a crucial turning point in the American Revolutionary War. Cornwallis was the British commander tasked with leading military operations in the southern campaigns. His decision to fortify Yorktown ultimately led to his encirclement by American and French forces, cutting off supply lines and leaving him with no viable means of escape.

The surrender of Cornwallis and his approximately 7,000 troops effectively prompted the end of large-scale hostilities in the colonies and paved the way for peace negotiations. The defeat showcased the effectiveness of combined American and French military strategy and demonstrated the waning power of British forces in America.

The other generals mentioned were influential figures in the war as well, but they did not surrender their forces in the same context or time period. William Howe was involved earlier in the war and resigned in 1778 before the results of Yorktown. Henry Clinton succeeded Howe but was not at Yorktown at the time of the surrender, focusing on holding British positions elsewhere. John Burgoyne is known for his surrender at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, a