Battles of Trenton & Princeton

What was the state of the American Revolution in the late fall of 1776?

• The Americans had just won a major battle in New York

• The British had been pushed out of Manhattan

• The Continental Army had suffered multiple defeats, and morale was low

• George Washington had captured 2,000 British troops

Why did George Washington decide to attack Trenton, New Jersey?

• He knew a decisive win was necessary to save the Revolution

• He wanted to protect Pennsylvania from a British invasion

• He aimed to free American prisoners held there

• He hoped to capture supplies stored in the city

What made the attack on Trenton effective?

• The Americans had superior numbers and firepower

• The Hessians had no defensive fortifications

• The attack was a complete surprise on Christmas morning

• The Hessians surrendered without resistance

How did Washington trick Cornwallis during the standoff near the Assunpink Creek?

• He bribed British officers to delay their assault

• He built fake fortifications to distract the British

• He used decoy campfires while sneaking away to Princeton

• He staged a fake surrender to gain time

What was the most important outcome of the battles of Trenton and Princeton?

• They resulted in a treaty with the British

• They boosted American morale and confidence

• They allowed the Americans to occupy all of New Jersey

• They ended the Revolutionary War