Battle+Of+Trenton+Period+6



The Battle of Trenton occured the day after Christmas, December 26, 1776. It took place in Trenton, New Jersey, after General George Washington's strategically timed crossing of the Delaware River. The battle was between the Continental Army, led by Washington, verses the British and German forces, for whom General Johann Rall of Germany took the lead.

The Colonial sucesses in the battle could be immediately attributed to one of two things. Firstly, they brought a greater number of men and guns than were stocked with the Hessian Garrison. Secondly, the element of surprise definitely played a role in outcome. The British and Germans were not expecting an attack for several months, (as it was commonplace at the time to cease hostilities during winter due to the conditions) let alone the day after Christmas. They failed to post a watch, laboring under a false delusion of security, which gave the Colonists the advantage they needed, allowing them to sneak up to the camp undetected.

The plan was not executed without flaw however. Crossing the Delaware in such difficult conditions proved dangerous, and two of the groups that were going to attack with Washington were unable to cross, leaving the General and his troops stranded on the British side of the river.

Luckily for the Colonial army, this fluke did not keep them from victory. The rapid and unannounced attack from three sides led to the near-immediate capture of around 900 of the 1,400 soldiers stationed at the camp. Meanwhile twenty two British and German soldiers were killed, along with General Rall, and eighty three were wounded. Some British troops managed to cross the Assunpink Creek and flee to freedom, but their numbers were few. In terms of Colonial casualties, two died in the difficult march to the camp, and five were wounded in battle.

Overall, this sparked new hope in the Colonial Army. While mere weeks ago, the surrender of the colonists had seemed to be only a matter of time, this very difinitive victory restored the drive of the soldiers, and spurred them on to continue the fight for freedom. Without the fine leadership of General George Washington and his intelligent battle tactics that capitalized on every possible British weakness in this battle, America might never have gained her freedom from the British.

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Katt Weidner