Every American undoubtedly knows the story of how independence was won from England during the Revolutionary War. Everyone knows famous American patriots such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Hancock. However, few paid attention to Britain's top leaders during the war. One of England's most influential figures during the Revolutionary War was Charles Cornwallis. The general played a key role in England's attempted suppression of American settlers. Although the Patriots ultimately won the war, there is no doubt about the skills and experience of General Charles Cornwallis. Cornwallis was born in 1738 and lived for 67 years before dying in 1805. "The eldest son of the first Earl Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis saw military service in Germany during the Seven Years' War" ("Charles Cornwallis"). As tensions continued to rise and boil over, Cornwallis did not necessarily agree with the taxes imposed on American settlers "as a congressman (which he did in 1760) he opposed the measures." "Charles Cornwallis Cornwallis, 1st Marquess", however, when war broke out, he sided with the English king. Cornwallis basically had no choice. undying loyalty to the King of England He was sent to America in 1776 where he "served under General William Howe at the Battle of Long Island, in the New Jersey campaigns and at the Battle of Brandywine" ("Charles). Cornwallis Cornwallis, 1st Marquess"). Cornwallis ended up being "surprised by George Washington's crossing of the Delaware and foiled at the Battle of Princeton (January 3, 1777)" ("Charles Cornwallis"). However, he had the military prowess and strength to...... middle of paper ...... living languages ​​and customs. Cornwallis even helped suppress the Irish Rebellion and limit the French invasion of 1798. He was again appointed Governor General of India in 1805. However, just two months after arriving in India, he died. This marked the end of Charles Cornwallis' long life of 68 years. Works CitedHEATON, CHARLES. “The failure of the military doctrine of the Enlightenment in revolutionary America: the Piedmont campaign and the fate of the British army in the Lower South.” North Carolina Historical Review 87.2 (2010): 127-157. Premier Academic Research. Internet. December 19, 2013. “Charles Cornwallis.” 2013. The History Channel website. December 19, 2013, 9:19 http://www.history.com/topics/charles-cornwallis. “Charles Cornwallis Cornwallis, 1st Marquess.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th edition (2013): 1. Academic Search Premier. Internet. December 19. 2013.