Which British general surrendered at Yorktown in 1781, helping secure the decisive American victory?

Charles Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown in 1781, helping secure the decisive American victory in the Revolutionary War.

Cornwallis commanded the British forces during the Yorktown campaign in Virginia. American and French troops, supported by the French fleet, surrounded his army and cut off escape. Cornwallis surrendered on October 19, 1781, after the Siege of Yorktown. He did not personally attend the formal surrender ceremony, sending Brigadier General Charles O’Hara in his place.

Yorktown did not instantly end all fighting or produce the peace treaty. British forces continued to occupy positions, and negotiations continued until the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783. Cornwallis is sometimes confused with General William Howe, who commanded British forces earlier in the war, or John Burgoyne, whose army surrendered at Saratoga in 1777.