What was the mistake British General Charles Cornwallis made that ultimately caused his defeat?
(1 point)
Responses
He miscalculated the strength of the Continental Army in Charlottesville, VA
He miscalculated the strength of the Continental Army in Charlottesville, VA
He failed to listen to Benedict Arnold who informed him of key information about the Americans.
He failed to listen to Benedict Arnold who informed him of key information about the Americans.
He retreated to Yorktown where he was trapped.
He retreated to Yorktown where he was trapped.
He failed to cut off supply routes to the Carolinas.
He failed to cut off supply routes to the Carolinas.
What impact did the capture of Fort Ticonderoga have on the American soldiers?
(1 point)
Responses
The American soldiers were able to use cannons captured at Fort Ticonderoga to intimidate the British.
The American soldiers were able to use cannons captured at Fort Ticonderoga to intimidate the British.
The British delayed American troops from joining the fight in Boston because of the battle at the fort.
The British delayed American troops from joining the fight in Boston because of the battle at the fort.
The Americans were able to use the fort’s cannons to destroy the Spanish ships that supported the British army.
The Americans were able to use the fort’s cannons to destroy the Spanish ships that supported the British army.
The Americans lost the Battle of Bunker Hill because of the number of cannons the British had acquired from the fort.
The mistake British General Charles Cornwallis made that ultimately caused his defeat was that he retreated to Yorktown where he was trapped.
The mistake that British General Charles Cornwallis made that ultimately caused his defeat was that he retreated to Yorktown where he was trapped. To understand this, we need to look at the context of the American Revolutionary War.
During the war, the British forces, led by General Cornwallis, were trying to suppress the rebellion of the American colonies. However, they faced difficulties, including a lack of local support and the vastness of the American territory. The British strategy was often focused on capturing key cities and strongholds to control the region.
In the case of General Cornwallis, he made a critical error when he decided to retreat to Yorktown, Virginia, after facing setbacks in his campaign in the southern colonies. This decision proved to be a costly mistake for several reasons.
First, Cornwallis underestimated the strength of the Continental Army led by General George Washington. Washington, along with French troops led by General Rochambeau, quickly recognized the opportunity to take advantage of Cornwallis's vulnerable position in Yorktown.
Second, Cornwallis failed to listen to Benedict Arnold, who had switched sides to the British. Arnold had valuable information about the American forces and their plans, but Cornwallis disregarded it. This prevented Cornwallis from adequately preparing for the American and French assault.
Third, Cornwallis failed to cut off supply routes to the Carolinas, allowing American forces led by Nathanael Greene to regroup and strengthen in that region. This created additional complications for Cornwallis and limited his options for retreat or reinforcement.
Ultimately, the combined forces of the Continental Army and the French besieged Yorktown, trapping Cornwallis and his troops. The British were heavily outnumbered and lacked the resources to withstand the siege. As a result, Cornwallis was forced to surrender on October 19, 1781, marking a significant turning point in the war and eventually leading to the independence of the United States.
In summary, the mistake made by General Cornwallis was retreating to Yorktown, where he underestimated the strength of the American forces, failed to heed important information, and allowed his supply routes to the Carolinas to remain open. These factors ultimately led to his defeat and the surrender of his troops.