Battle+of+Princeton+Period+5

BATTLE OF PRINCETON

When did the battle occur? **It occurred January 3rd, 1777.**

Where was the battle? **The Battle of Princeton was in Princeton, New Jersey.**

Where were the armies/navies from? **It was the British army with Hessians vs. the American army.**

Who were the leaders on each side? **General George Washington led the Continental Army and the British troops with some Germans were led by Major General Lord Cornwallis. However, Cornwallis left LT. Colonel Charles Mawhood in charge during the time of the battle.**

What happened? Facts about the battle: **After his victory in the Battle of Trenton** **on December 26, 1776, General George Washington** **used** **his momentum** **to win** **another** **battle** **before** **tough winter conditions arrived****. On December 30, he crossed the Delaware** **River back into New Jersey. Early in the morning** **on January 3, 1777, the rest of Washington's force** **followed****. In Princeton, Major General Charles Cornwallis had left 1,400 British troops under the command of Lt. Colonel Charles Mawhood.** **John Cadwalader and Hugh Mercer were in charge of the militia, but when the British troops began encircling the militia, Mercer and Cadwalader tried to flee. However,** **Washington** **rallied the militia and attacked** **and defeat****ed the troops at Princeton and the Continental Army left** **before General Cornwallis** **had the opportunity to get there with** **reinforcements.**

What was the outcome of the battle? **The Americans beat the British and escaped Cornwallis’ attempt to surround and trap them.**

What was the significance of the battle to the outcome of the war? **The defeat of the British in Princeton showed the European powers that the Americans were able to confront the British Army. Also, France and Spain stepping into the Revolutionary War became a little closer. Also, General Washington proved himself to be a very resourceful and decisive leader during this battle.**    **[]**