The Victory at Yorktown
The Victory at Yorktown is a Grade 5 history skill in Pengi Social Studies, Chapter 6: The American Revolution. Students learn how George Washington and the French navy trapped British General Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781, leading to the last major battle of the Revolutionary War.
Key Concepts
By 1781, the war moved south. British General Cornwallis trapped himself on a peninsula at Yorktown, Virginia, waiting for supplies.
Washington saw an opportunity. He marched his army south to surround Cornwallis on land, while the French navy blocked the British escape by sea.
Trapped and out of food, the British surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown . It was the last major battle of the war. As the British troops marched out to surrender, their band played a song called "The World Turned Upside Down.".
Common Questions
What happened at the Battle of Yorktown?
At Yorktown in 1781, Washington surrounded British General Cornwallis on land while the French navy blocked his escape by sea. Trapped and starving, Cornwallis surrendered, ending the last major battle of the Revolution.
Why was Yorktown the turning point that ended the Revolutionary War?
Yorktown was the final major military engagement because it forced a British surrender, leaving Britain with no viable path to continue the war and leading to peace negotiations.
How did France help at Yorktown?
The French navy blockaded Yorktown by sea, preventing British reinforcements and escape, while Washington's army surrounded the British forces on land.
Who was General Cornwallis?
General Cornwallis was the British commander who became trapped at Yorktown, Virginia, and was forced to surrender his army to George Washington in 1781.
What song did the British play when they surrendered at Yorktown?
According to accounts, the British band played a song called "The World Turned Upside Down" as their troops marched out to surrender at Yorktown.