The modern-day battle likely viewed as the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War is the Siege of Yorktown, fought in 1781. This decisive confrontation involved a combined force of American and French troops besieging British General Cornwallis's forces. The successful siege forced Cornwallis to surrender, effectively ending major military operations in the colonies and leading to negotiations for peace. The victory at Yorktown was pivotal; it demonstrated the viability of the American cause and garnered international support, ultimately facilitating the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which formally recognized American independence.