Final answer:
The French had a significant role in the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, which is true. The French military and naval forces were instrumental in trapping Cornwallis and forcing his surrender, ending the Revolutionary War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the French played a significant role in the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown is true. By 1780, British General Charles Cornwallis was leading the British war effort in America and sought a decisive battle in Virginia. His plans were thwarted as he was surrounded by American forces led by General Washington and a strong French military contingency.
The French naval blockade by Admiral de Grasse in Chesapeake Bay was pivotal in preventing a seaward escape and ensuring Cornwallis's surrender on October 19, 1781. The siege of Yorktown marked the last major conflict of the Revolutionary War and led to the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which recognized the independence of the United States.