The Battle of Trenton

By: Janine Villarreal, Maite Bosdandjian, and Dana Perry

GeneralsAmerica:

General George Washington

Hessians and British:Colonel Rall

The BattleOn the morning of December 26, 1776, General George Washington led the Continental Army to Trenton. They made the famous trek across the Delaware River. Once they arrived, they carried out a surprise attack on the British and Hessian Soldiers. One of the Hessians, Andreas von Wiederholdt, incorrectly informed Colonel Rall that the colonists had surrounded Trenton and that there was no available escape route for them. Because of that, Rall decided to counterattack, rather than find a way to retreat. That proved to be a big mistake on his part. To top it all off, Washington’s forces were at high point where they could observe all of Rall’s movements.

George Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas Night

“Interesting” Story

George Washington didn’t chose the day of the attack completely randomly. Christmas is a big religious holiday, so of course the British would be celebrating…and getting drunk. So General Washington decided to attack them the next day when they’d all be hung over. Kind of mean, but also genius. The British weren’t expecting it because of the holiday and the storm that had been taking place at the time.

WinnerGeorge Washington and the Continental army came out victorious. Since the Americans surprise attacked, the Hessians had tried too regroup in town but they were caught off guard when the American soldiers began to fire from above in houses surrounding the town. In this attack, the Hessian General was mortally wounded which sent the Hessian troops into complete confusion. Therefore they retreated to an orchard where they surrendered. Colonel Rall surrendering in

Trenton

Why was this so important?• This was considered a turning point in the war.• If Washington’s army lost this battle, they probably would have lost the war.• Washington's command was solidified. A growing number of delegates in Congress had come to doubt his abilities, but those critics were quieted when news of the victory arrived in Baltimore.• The victory sharply increased morale. New enlistments were stimulated and many of the current soldiers reenlisted.• This battle showed the British could be defeated.

The End