Lord Cornwallis was born into an aristocratic and well-connected British family in 1738. He received an education at Eton College and Cambridge University before joining the British army. Cornwallis fought in the Seven Years' War in Germany and later held political positions in Parliament. During the American Revolutionary War, Cornwallis initially supported the colonists but not independence. He experienced both victories and defeats in several battles against American forces, ultimately surrendering to George Washington at Yorktown in 1781 after being trapped on the Virginia peninsula. Cornwallis returned to Britain and later held important colonial administrative positions as the Governor-General of India and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

1. By: Luke Morley Lord Cornwallis

2. Early Life Born in London, on December 31, 1738 Eldest son of Charles Cornwallis Aristocratic Well-connected Eton College Clare College, Cambridge

3. Early Military and Political Career Seven Years' War in Germany Present at several big battles House of Commons House of Lords Father Died

4. General Cornwallis

5. In the American Revolution Supporter of the Americans Didn’t support independence First Battle, Failed at Charleston Campaign in NY Gave chase in NJ Lost at Princeton

6. In the American Revolution Won at Brandywine Led siege on South, in Charleston again Won at Battle of Camden vs Horatio Gates “won’ at Guilford Courthouse In Virginia, fought a while Skirmished with Marquis de Lafayette for a while

7. Yorktown Told to make a fortified naval post This order trapped him on the peninsula Trapped by Washington and French fleet Surrendered on October 19, 1781 Was “sick” on day of surrender

8. Surrender

9. Return Traded to Britain for Henry Laurens Went back with Benedict Arnold Made a Knight 1786 Governor-General of India Lord Lieutenant of Ireland Civil Reforms Died October 5, 1805