The tactic employed by the American and French forces during the siege was Siege warfare.

In 1781, during the Siege of Yorktown, American and French forces skillfully utilized siege warfare as their main tactic. This approach involved encircling the troops of British General Cornwallis, effectively cutting off essential supplies and reinforcements. By building trenches and fortifications, the Allied forces exerted continuous pressure, compelling the British to stay in a restricted position. The successful collaboration between American and French soldiers, along with their ability to control the surrounding regions, ultimately resulted in Cornwallis’s surrender. This effective application of siege warfare not only represented a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War but also highlighted the success of coordinated military operations.