Why was the Battle of Trenton and Princeton important?
The victories reasserted American control of much of New Jersey and greatly improved the morale and unity of the colonial army and militias. Before the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Since August 1776, British forces under General William Howe had been driving the Continental Army south out of New York.
When did the Continental Army charge on Trenton?
Library of Congress call number G3814.T7S3 1776 .W5 Shortly after eight o’clock on the morning of December 26, 1776, the Continental Army started its charge on the city. Three columns marched through thick snow with Washington personally leading the middle charge. As the soldiers pushed forward, artillery began to fire.
Who was the British general in Trenton and Princeton?
Before the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Since August 1776, British forces under General William Howe had been driving the Continental Army south out of New York. On November 16 the British overran Fort Washington in Manhattan, taking 2,000 Americans prisoner.
Where did General Washington retreat after the Battle of Trenton?
Chased by the British, General Washington retreated across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. His force, in threadbare uniforms and many without shoes, was reduced to a few thousand and enlistments were set to expire.
Where did the Battle of Princeton take place?
Revolutionary War campaigns in New York and New Jersey. 1776–1777. The Battle of Princeton was a battle of the American Revolutionary War, fought near Princeton, New Jersey on January 3, 1777. General Lord Cornwallis had left 1,400 British troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mawhood in Princeton.
What was the weather like during the Battle of Trenton?
By December, the troops were huddled along the western banks of the Delaware River, with the waterway and winter weather helping to keep the British at bay. Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis was passed around campfires, reigniting a passion for the revolutionary cause and helping to steady the soldiers’ spirits and resolve.