The Battles of Trenton and Princeton | History

Summary

During the American Revolution, George Washington's Continental Army faced low morale and defeat. In a desperate move, Washington led a surprise attack on Trenton, New Jersey, on Christmas night, 1776, defeating the Hessians. This victory, followed by another at Princeton, boosted morale, proving the Americans could stand against the British, and possibly saved the revolution.

Takeaways

• 🇺🇸 In late 1776, George Washington's Continental Army faced a series of setbacks and low morale.
• 🔄 After being driven out of Manhattan, the Continental Army retreated across the Hudson and Delaware Rivers into Pennsylvania.
• 🎯 Washington decided to attack Trenton, New Jersey, held by 1,400 Hessian mercenaries, to turn the tide of the war.
• 🚣‍♂️ On Christmas night, 1776, Washington's troops crossed the Delaware River in a daring move.
• ❄️ Despite harsh winter conditions, the American forces managed to surprise the Hessians, who were not expecting an attack on Christmas.
• 🔥 The Battle of Trenton resulted in a decisive American victory, with the death of Colonel Johann Rall and the capture of over 900 Hessians.
• 🔙 Washington chose to withdraw from Trenton, knowing he didn't have enough troops to hold the town against a counterattack.
• 🏰 Upon learning of a British force approaching, Washington convinced his soldiers to extend their enlistments and prepare for another battle.
• 🌌 In a clever maneuver, Washington's forces crossed back over the Delaware and surprised the British at Princeton on January 3rd.
• 🏆 The victories at Trenton and Princeton provided a significant morale boost to the American cause and demonstrated Washington's leadership.

Q & A

What was the situation for George Washington and the Continental Army in late 1776?

In late 1776, George Washington and the Continental Army were facing multiple setbacks, with low morale, and many soldiers deserting or leaving due to expiring enlistments.

Why was the attack on Trenton significant?

The attack on Trenton was significant because it was a pivotal moment that helped to turn the tide of the American Revolution by boosting morale and proving that the Continental Army could defeat the British.

How many Hessians were in Trenton when Washington attacked?

There were 1,400 Hessians in Trenton when Washington launched his attack.

What was the strategy behind Washington's attack on Trenton?

Washington planned a three-pronged assault involving General James Ewing's men to prevent escape, Colonel John Cadwalader's militia to prevent reinforcements, and his own 2,400 troops for a direct attack.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Trenton?

The Americans won the Battle of Trenton, killing the Hessians' commander, Colonel Johann Rall, and capturing over 900 of his troops, with only two Americans dying from exposure.

Why did Washington's troops cross the Delaware River?

Washington's troops crossed the Delaware River to launch a surprise attack on the Hessians in Trenton on Christmas night.

What was the role of the weather during Washington's Crossing?

Bad winter weather during Washington's Crossing worked in favor of the Americans, as it prevented the Hessians from expecting an attack and allowed Washington's forces to press forward.

Why did Washington withdraw from Trenton after the victory?

Despite the victory, Washington didn't have enough troops to hold the town, so he withdrew back across the Delaware River.

What happened when the British forces under Cornwallis and Grant marched towards Trenton?

Upon learning that Cornwallis and Grant were marching towards Trenton, Washington convinced his soldiers to stay on for six more weeks and led them back across the Delaware into Trenton.

What was the trick Washington used to deceive Cornwallis's forces at the Assunpink Creek?

Washington used a decoy tactic where he left a few hundred men to tend the fires and make noise while the rest of his force marched to Princeton.

What was the result of the Battle of Princeton?

The Americans won the Battle of Princeton, taking prisoners from the British force and further boosting morale and proving their ability to fight the British.