Why did Yorktown happen?

The Battle of Yorktown occurred in 1781 as the decisive final confrontation of the American Revolutionary War. British General Cornwallis sought to consolidate his forces and secure a stronghold in Virginia, but was ultimately trapped by a combined American and French army led by General George Washington and French General Rochambeau. The successful siege resulted in Cornwallis's surrender, effectively ending significant military operations in the colonies and paving the way for negotiations that led to American independence.