What was the outcome of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781?

The outcome of the Battle of Yorktown in 1781 was significant because it marked a decisive victory for the American forces and their allies, leading to the surrender of British General Cornwallis. This surrender effectively ended major military operations in the American Revolutionary War. The combined forces of the American Continental Army and the French troops encircled Cornwallis, who found himself cut off from retreat and resupply. His capitulation on October 19, 1781, represented a turning point in the war, contributing to the negotiations that would eventually lead to the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This battle is often seen as the last major engagement of the war, showcasing the effectiveness of the Continental Army and their alliance with France.