The Battle of Yorktown Ends War — Reading Comprehension

The Battle of Yorktown took place in 1781. It was the last major fight of the American Revolutionary War. The American army, led by General George Washington, joined with French soldiers to face the British army. The British leader was General Lord Cornwallis. The armies met in Yorktown, Virginia.

The Americans and French worked together to make a plan. They built strong trenches and set up cannons around the city. The British were trapped. The French navy blocked the British from escaping by sea. Washington ordered his men to attack. The fighting was hard, but the Americans and French worked as a team.

After weeks of battle, the British could not get help. Lord Cornwallis knew he could not win. On October 19, 1781, he agreed to surrender. The British soldiers marched out and put down their weapons. A witness said, "The British troops... marched out and grounded their arms." This meant they lost the fight.

The victory at Yorktown was important. It showed that the Americans could win the war. News of the surrender spread quickly. People in America cheered and celebrated. The British government decided to end the war. Soon after, the United States became a free and independent country.

The Battle of Yorktown showed the power of unity and bravery. American and French soldiers worked together and never gave up. Their teamwork changed history.

Interesting Fact: The British band played the song "The World Turned Upside Down" when they surrendered at Yorktown.

Who led the American army?

Where did the battle happen?

What year did Yorktown take place?

Why did the British surrender?

What did the victory show?

How did Americans and French work?

True or False: Cornwallis won the battle.

What does 'surrender' mean?