General Cornwallis, full name Charles Cornwallis, was a British Army officer and colonial administrator born in 1738. He is best known for his role during the American Revolutionary War, where he commanded British forces in several key battles. His leadership was marked by both successes and failures, particularly during the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. At Yorktown, Cornwallis faced a combined force of American troops led by George Washington and French forces under Marquis de Lafayette. The siege ultimately resulted in his surrender, which significantly weakened British efforts in the war. After the conflict, Cornwallis served as Governor-General of India and played a role in British colonial administration.