Battle of Trenton

Battle of Trenton

Nikolai and VivianDecember 25,1776

The Battle of TrentonBattle: TrentonWar: American RevolutionDate: Christmas day, 1776Place: Trenton, New Jersey on the

Delaware RiverCombatants: Americans against

Hessians and British troopsGenerals: General George Washington against Colonel Rahl.

Size of the armies• Washington had some 2,400 men from

Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York.

• 2,400 American troops with 18 cannons. 1,400 Hessians with 6 small cannons

Facts• The Hessian commander Colonel Rahl had been ordered to

construct defense works around the town but had not troubled to do so.

• On the night before the attack Rahl was at dinner when he was brought information that the Americans were approaching. He ignored the message which was found in his pocket after his death.

• Washington’s constant problem was to maintain the enthusiasm of his army for the war, particularly with the system of one year recruitment and Trenton proved a much needed encouragement.

Positions

• The main American force under Washington entered Trenton from the North-West.

• Sullivan marched around the town and attacked from the South. • The remainder took a position to the North East cutting off the Hessians’

retreat.

Victory• The Hessians attempted to form in the town but were

under artillery fire and attack from front and rear North-West.

• The Americans occupied the houses and shot down the German gunners and foot soldiers during which Colonel Rahl was fatally wounded The remainder took a position to the North East cutting off the Hessians’ retreat.

• Rahl’s troops retreated to an orchard in the South East of the town wherethey surrendered.

• General Washington acceptedthe surrender of Colonel Rahl's Hessian troops

In the End• The Battle of Trenton the Americans didn’t have

many casualties but it was still a big loss for them. • American effort across the colonies was galvanized

and the psychological dominance achieved by the British in the preceding year overturned.

• Howe was stunned that a strong German troops could be surprised in such a manner and put up so little resistance.

Sources• http://www.britishbattles.com/battle-trenton.

htm• http://www.doublegv.com/ggv/battles/Trento

n.html• http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/

us/trentondef.htm• http://www.rediscovertrenton.com/photo/Tre

nton-NJ