1. General George Washington: As the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, George Washington provided overall leadership and strategic planning for the campaign against Cornwallis. He coordinated forces, made key decisions, and maintained the morale of the troops throughout the siege.
2. Comte de Rochambeau: The commander of the French expeditionary force, Rochambeau's military expertise and cooperation with Washington were critical to the success of the Yorktown campaign. He brought in experienced troops, artillery, and naval support, which were vital in the siege.
3. Admiral de Grasse: The French Admiral played a pivotal role by blockading the Chesapeake Bay. This prevented British reinforcements from arriving, cut off Cornwallis's escape routes, and ultimately trapped the British forces at Yorktown.
4. Marquis de Lafayette: A skilled French general and diplomat, Lafayette led light infantry troops that harassed Cornwallis's movements, limited his ability to forage for supplies, and slowed down his retreat.
5. Alexander Hamilton: Hamilton served as Washington's aide-de-camp and was instrumental in planning and carrying out the attack on British redoubts during the siege of Yorktown. His leadership on the battlefield proved significant in weakening the British defenses.
6. Henry Knox: As the Continental Army's chief of artillery, Knox coordinated the heavy artillery bombardment from both American and French forces. His expertise and effective deployment of cannons were vital in breaking down the British defenses.
7. The Continental Army and French Forces: Of course, credit must also be given to the brave soldiers of the Continental Army and their French allies, who fought valiantly and endured challenging conditions during the siege to achieve victory.
In conclusion, while many individuals contributed to the American victory at Yorktown, the collaboration between George Washington, Rochambeau, de Grasse, Lafayette, Hamilton, Knox, and the collective efforts of the Continental Army and French forces were all indispensable elements that sealed the British defeat.