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 retreated to Yorktown where he was trapped.
The mistake British General Charles Cornwallis made that ultimately caused his defeat was that he retreated to Yorktown where he was trapped.
The mistake British General Charles Cornwallis made that ultimately caused his defeat was retreating to Yorktown where he was trapped. This decision effectively isolated him and his troops, allowing the Continental Army and their French allies to mount a successful siege. To understand this, we need to look at the historical events leading to Cornwallis's defeat.
First, General Cornwallis had been leading a campaign in the southern colonies, hoping to regain control for the British. However, he made a crucial mistake by underestimating the strength and resilience of the Continental Army. He faced spirited opposition from commanders like Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan, who utilized guerrilla warfare tactics to disrupt and weaken British forces.
In addition to underestimating his opponents, Cornwallis failed to cut off supply routes to the Carolinas. This allowed the Continental Army to regroup and resupply, further bolstering their strength in the region.
However, the decisive mistake came when Cornwallis decided to retreat to Yorktown, Virginia, seeking reinforcements and a secure base. This decision proved disastrous because Yorktown was not a defensible position, surrounded by water and lacking proper fortifications. Meanwhile, the Continental Army, led by General George Washington, and the French army, led by General Rochambeau, quickly moved to trap Cornwallis and initiated a prolonged siege.
The French navy, under Admiral de Grasse, also played a significant role by blocking any escape or reinforcement efforts from the sea. This meant that Cornwallis had limited options and was ultimately forced to surrender on October 19, 1781.
Therefore, retreating to Yorktown and getting trapped there was the key mistake made by General Cornwallis, leading to his defeat and marking a turning point in the American Revolutionary War.