Unable to defeat an American force in the Carolinas, Lord Charles Cornwallis moved his British army to Virginia in the spring of 1781. After an inconclusive campaign, Cornwallis established a base at Yorktown in August. Apprised of his position, George Washington moved a combined American and French force from New York and surrounded Cornwallis's position at the end of September. Following a brief siege Cornwallis capitulated on October 19, effectively ending the American Revolution.