Read the following timeline and then answer the questions below:

1778: France formally allies with the American colonies, providing crucial military support.

May 1781: British troops under General Cornwallis move to Yorktown, Virginia.

September 1781: The Siege of Yorktown begins, with American and French forces surrounding Cornwallis's army.

October 19, 1781: Cornwallis surrenders, effectively ending major fighting in the American Revolution.

Post-1781: Negotiations for peace begin, leading to the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

Question 1: Outline the sequence of events from 1778 to Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Beginning with France's alliance supporting the Americans", "British movement to Yorktown under Cornwallis", "The siege starting in September", "Cornwallis's surrender in October" ], "model_answer": "The sequence begins with France's alliance in 1778, followed by British troops moving to Yorktown in 1781, then the siege starting in September, and finally Cornwallis's surrender in October, ending the major conflict at Yorktown." }

Question 2: Explain why the Battle of Yorktown was a turning point in the American Revolution. (6 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Marked the last major battle of the revolution", "Led to the surrender of British forces", "Boosted American morale and international support", "Convinced Britain to negotiate peace", "Signified the beginning of American independence" ], "model_answer": "The Battle of Yorktown was a turning point because it resulted in the surrender of the British army, effectively ending the war's fighting, and it encouraged negotiations that led to American independence." }

Question 3: Compare the roles played by France and the American colonies in the victory at Yorktown. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "France provided troops, navy, and supplies", "Americans fought on the ground and coordinated with French forces", "French naval blockade prevented British escape", "Both allies worked together to trap Cornwallis" ], "model_answer": "France played a crucial role by providing military support and naval power, while the American colonies contributed soldiers and leadership, with both working together to secure victory at Yorktown." }

Question 4: Analyse how the events at Yorktown influenced subsequent peace negotiations. (6 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Demonstrated the effectiveness of combined Franco-American forces", "Made Britain realize that continuing the war was futile", "Strengthened the Americans' negotiating position", "Led to the Treaty of Paris in 1783", "Convinced Britain to recognize American independence" ], "model_answer": "The events at Yorktown showcased the strength of the Franco-American alliance, making Britain more willing to negotiate, which ultimately resulted in the Treaty of Paris and British recognition of American independence." }

Question 5: Write a short paragraph explaining how the siege tactics used at Yorktown contributed to the British defeat. (3 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Surrounding Cornwallis's forces to cut off supplies", "Use of artillery to bombard the British positions", "Constant pressure that limited British options", "Coordination between American and French forces" ], "model_answer": "The siege tactics, including surrounding the British forces and bombarding their positions, cut off supplies and escape routes, which led to Cornwallis's surrender and contributed significantly to the British defeat." }

Question 6: Describe the significance of the Treaty of Paris 1783 in relation to the victory at Yorktown. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Officially recognized American independence", "Established borders for the United States", "Ended the Revolutionary War", "Confirmed the victory at Yorktown as decisive" ], "model_answer": "The Treaty of Paris 1783 officially recognized American independence and marked the end of the war, with the victory at Yorktown being a decisive step towards this outcome." }

Question 7: Compare the perspectives of American and British leaders about the importance of Yorktown. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "American leaders saw Yorktown as a pivotal victory for independence", "British leaders viewed it as a costly defeat that shortened the war", "Some British officials believed the war could still be won", "American leaders celebrated Yorktown as the culmination of their efforts" ], "model_answer": "American leaders viewed Yorktown as a decisive victory that secured independence, whereas British leaders saw it as a costly defeat that hastened the end of the war, though some still believed Britain could win." }

Question 8: Outline the main military strategies used by the Americans and French during the Siege of Yorktown. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Siege tactics to trap Cornwallis's forces", "Use of artillery to bombard the British", "Naval blockade to prevent escape or reinforcements", "Coordinated land and sea operations" ], "model_answer": "The Americans and French used siege tactics, artillery bombardments, and a naval blockade, coordinating land and sea operations to trap and force Cornwallis to surrender." }