This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the Battle of Yorktown, a key event that ended the American Revolutionary War. Students will learn how American and French forces worked together to defeat the British, leading to America's independence. The passage highlights important people like General George Washington and Lord Cornwallis, and explains the cause-and-effect events that led to victory. Included are a glossary of key vocabulary, a Spanish translation, a timeline of major moments, and interactive activities such as a multiple-choice quiz and writing prompts. This resource is perfect for building foundational knowledge while supporting literacy skills, and aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core ELA standards. Read aloud audio and Spanish translation make this accessible for all learners.
Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks
Preview
Sample passage and quiz content
CONTENT PREVIEW
Expand content preview
[Surrender of Lord Cornwallis] Source: Library of Congress - Trumbull, John
The Battle of Yorktown was the last big fight of the American Revolution. It happened in the fall of 1781 in Yorktown, Virginia. This battle was important because it led to the end of the war and freedom for the American colonies.
The British army, led by General Cornwallis, set up camp in Yorktown. The British wanted to control the area and wait for help from their navy. But General George Washington, the leader of the American army, made a smart plan. Washington joined forces with French General Rochambeau and the French army. Together, they marched south to Yorktown.
The Americans and French worked as a team. They moved quietly and quickly to surround Yorktown. At the same time, French ships blocked the British from escaping by sea. The British army was trapped. They could not get supplies or help.
For weeks, the Americans and French fired cannons at the British forts. The British soldiers grew tired and hungry. General Cornwallis realized he could not win. On October 19, 1781, he decided to surrender. The British army marched out and gave up their weapons. This was a huge victory for the Americans.
The surrender at Yorktown was the last major battle of the war. News of the defeat spread quickly. People in America cheered. In Britain, leaders knew it was time to make peace. Less than two years later, the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris. This treaty made the United States an independent country.
The Battle of Yorktown showed the power of working together. American and French forces showed bravery and smart planning. Their actions helped win freedom for the new nation.
Interesting Fact: After the surrender, a British band played a song called “The World Turned Upside Down,” because everything had changed!
Who led the British at Yorktown?
General CornwallisGeneral WashingtonGeneral RochambeauGeneral Lafayette
Where did the final battle happen?
BostonYorktownPhiladelphiaNew York
Which country helped the Americans?
FranceSpainGermanyItaly
Why did the British surrender?
They were trappedThey ran out of timeThey wanted to leaveThey won the battle
What was the effect of Yorktown?
America lostWar continuedAmerica gained independenceBritish won
What did the Treaty of Paris do?
Started a new warFreed AmericaSent more troopsHelped Britain
The French navy blocked the British.
TrueFalse
What does surrender mean?
To give upTo keep fightingTo planTo escape
Curriculum
Common Core standards covered
RI.4.1
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
RI.4.3
Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.