The British general who commanded the forces at Yorktown was Charles Cornwallis.

The British general in charge of the forces at the Battle of Yorktown was Charles Cornwallis. In 1781, he commanded British troops during a crucial siege by American and French forces, which culminated in his surrender on October 19. Cornwallis's defeat represented a significant turning point in the American Revolutionary War, greatly influencing British strategy in North America. His failure to obtain reinforcements and adequately defend his position against the united forces played a key role in the American triumph. This event not only enhanced American morale but also set the stage for negotiations that would ultimately result in the acknowledgment of American independence.