The Battle of Trenton

1. The Battle of Trenton And George Washington Crossing The Delaware River

2. Morale was down in 1776 • George Washington’s Continental Army had lost several casualties. • His army had to retreat through New Jersey to the west side of the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. • Three Hessian regiments (German soldiers hired by the British) were across the river in Trenton, NJ numbering around 1,400 soldiers. Washington's’ Army

3. Get Em’ When They Least Expect It… • George Washington decided that the day after Christmas, December 26, 1776, would be a good day to attack the Hessians. • He knew they would be liquored up and tired from celebrating, and they would not be expecting an attack.

4. Bad Weather Ahead • As they prepared to cross the Delaware River to Trenton, it started sleeting and snowing. The river was filled with ice. • With great effort and difficulty, the army crossed the river in Durham Boats, the horses and artillery were sent across by ferries. • The trip across the Delaware River was dangerous and delayed by the bad weather, but eventually they made it across.

5. The 9 Mile March • After crossing the river, the army then had to march 9 miles to the city of Trenton. • Washington continuously encouraged his troops as they march 9 miles to Trenton. • Many of the soldiers lacked shoes and were bleeding from their feet.

6. The Battle of Trenton • The first gunfire happened about a mile north of Trenton at a Hessian outpost. • The Hessian soldiers immediately began to retreat. • Only 2 American solders were killed (although some sources say zero were killed by gunfire,) but many died of hypothermia and disease. • The Hessians suffered 83 injuries, 22 deaths, and 896 captured by Washington’s army. All 4 Hessian colonels were killed. • The battle raised the morale of Washington’s Army dramatically.

7. Washington’s Surprise Attack on Trenton http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/american-revolution-history/videos/george-washington-makes-surprise-attack-on-trenton