The Battle of Trenton
Towards the end of 1776, morale among troops of the Continental Army was at a low.
In the months after the Declaration of Independence was issued, the Americans suffered continual losses in New York and New Jersey. After the British took Fort Lee in November, General George Washington was forced to retreat with his army into Pennsylvania.
Washington sought a way to end the year on a high note, inspire his troops, and surprise the enemy.
He devised a plan to cross the icy Delaware River on Christmas night and surprise a garrison of hired Hessian soldiers in Trenton.
After crossing the river, Washington and about 2,400 men marched 9 miles to Trenton on the morning of December 26, 1776. There, they caught 1,500 Hessian troops totally by surprise.
After a short battle, almost two-thirds of the Hessian force were captured, with just 5 American casualties.
The Battle of Trenton was important because it significantly boosted the Continental Army’s fading morale and inspired troops to re-enlist for the next year. It also attracted new recruits to the ranks from across the 13 Colonies. Washington’s freshly inspired troops won an other important victory a week later at Princeton, NJ before camping for the winter.
Next: The Battle of Saratoga