The Loss of the American Colonies

The loss of the American Colonies. One of George Washington's main adversaries was Lord Cornwallis (top left portrait). The English suffered a crushing defeat at Saratoga (top right) and now the French joined the war to fight against their old enemy. The Netherlands and France decided that they would support the American cause which left the English with no allies. The war, however, dragged on for some years with no conclusive results. In 1781, General Cornwallis found himself up against Washington's troops at Yorktown, Virginia. It seems that Cornwallis was awaiting reinforcements to come by sea when the combined French and American forces attacked. His army was outnumbered four to one, and he surrendered, thus bringing an end to the war. A year later Britain recognised American independence. Original artwork.