What action is depicted in "Surrender of Lord Cornwallis"?

The correct answer highlights a significant event in American history, namely the surrender of British General Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781, which marked a decisive defeat for the British during the Revolutionary War. This action is considered a pivotal moment that led to the eventual recognition of American independence. The surrender not only showcased the effectiveness of the Allied American forces, bolstered by French military support, but also diminished British resolve to continue the war, ultimately influencing subsequent negotiations and the path towards the end of the conflict.

In contrast, the signing of the Treaty of Paris, while related, occurred later and formalized the end of the war rather than depicting an immediate military action. The last battle of the Civil War and a peace treaty between France and Britain are unrelated events that do not pertain to the context of the Revolutionary War or the specific surrender of Cornwallis. Thus, the focus on Cornwallis's defeat clearly illustrates a critical turning point in the quest for American independence.