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Battle of Yorktown 1781 — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This passage explores the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. Students will analyze the causes, multiple perspectives, and consequences of the American and French victory over the British. The text features vocabulary support, a primary source quote, and an analytical approach to historical events. This resource is aligned to the C3 Framework and Common Core standards, and includes reading comprehension questions, a writing activity, a timeline, graphic organizers, and a glossary. Audio read aloud and a full Spanish translation are included to support diverse learners. Key figures such as George Washington, General Cornwallis, and the French military are discussed. This passage encourages students to use evidence and historical reasoning to understand the significance of Yorktown in the broader context of the American Revolution.

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Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown Va. Oct. 19th. 1781.
Source: Library of Congress - N. Currier (Firm)

The Battle of Yorktown in 1781 was a crucial turning point in the American Revolution. By this time, the war had dragged on for years, exhausting both the British and American sides. British General Charles Cornwallis moved his army to the coastal town of Yorktown, Virginia, hoping to maintain a strong defensive position. However, this decision ultimately contributed to a major problem for the British: they became trapped by their enemies.

American and French forces saw an opportunity to strike a decisive blow. General George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, worked closely with French General Rochambeau to plan a coordinated attack. Together, they marched their combined armies over 400 miles to Yorktown. At the same time, the French navy under Admiral de Grasse blocked British ships from entering or leaving the Chesapeake Bay. This joint strategy cut off Cornwallis’s army from reinforcements and supplies, creating a classic siege situation.

The siege lasted for several weeks. American and French troops built trenches and artillery positions, bombarding the British day and night. Food and ammunition inside Yorktown ran dangerously low, while morale among British soldiers dropped. Cornwallis hoped for rescue, but the British navy failed to break through the French blockade. Facing rapidly worsening conditions, British forces reached a breaking point.

On October 19, 1781, General Cornwallis agreed to surrender. More than 7,000 British soldiers laid down their arms, marking a humiliating defeat for Britain. For the Americans and their French allies, the victory at Yorktown was both decisive and symbolic. The event convinced the British government that further fighting was hopeless, leading to peace negotiations. In 1783, the Treaty of Paris officially recognized the independence of the United States.

The outcome at Yorktown demonstrates the importance of alliances, strategy, and geography in warfare. The American and French partnership, careful planning, and control of land and sea made the British position impossible. This battle did not end every conflict, but it effectively stopped the major fighting and shifted the balance of power. Historians continue to study Yorktown as a key example of how cooperation and leadership can determine the fate of nations.

Interesting Fact: At the surrender ceremony, British musicians played a tune called “The World Turned Upside Down,” reflecting how dramatically the war’s outcome had changed expectations.

Who led the American army at Yorktown?

George WashingtonCharles CornwallisAdmiral de GrasseThomas Jefferson

Which country allied with the Americans?

FranceSpainGermanyPortugal

What year did the Battle of Yorktown occur?

1776178117831775

Why was the French navy important?

They blocked British shipsThey led the British armyThey supplied the BritishThey built Yorktown

What effect did the siege have on the British?

They ran out of suppliesThey won quicklyThey received reinforcementsThey left Yorktown

Why is the Battle of Yorktown significant?

It ended major fightingIt started the warIt helped Britain winIt was fought in France