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Christmas 1776: A Turning Point for Independence
Washington's Perilous Journey Across the Delaware River
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On the cold, stormy night of December 25, 1776, George Washington and some 2,400 troops, disheartened and in need of a victory, made the arduous journey across the Delaware River for a surprise attack on British mercenary soldiers.
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A Desperate Need for Victory
Only a year into the American Revolution, the Continental Army was in dire straits. The Americans had had several serious defeats and had won no major battles.
General George Washington knew that the new United States needed a victory to gain the popular support and the overseas allies necessary to have a fighting chance at independence.
Washington also knew that the Hessians, highly-trained and ruthless mercenaries hired by the British, required a unique battle strategy. His solution? A surprise attack in the early morning hours after Christmas.
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The Harrowing March to Trenton
Camped along the Delaware River (which divides Pennsylvania and New Jersey), Washington and his troops awoke to a snowy, frozen Christmas morning in 1776.
To minimize the chance of spies informing the British, Washington's plan was kept top secret: to cross the river Christmas night, march to Trenton through the darkness, and attack at 5:00 AM the next morning. This plan would go awry, however.
A severe winter storm hit as the soldiers prepared to leave. In addition to the darkness of night, sleet, rain, and snow obstructed the men's vision as they ferried themselves (and heavy pieces of artillery) slowly across the river.
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The army fought the elements, finally arriving in Trenton at 8:00 AM, a full three hours behind schedule. Washington expected that they could not surprise the Hessians at this point—he even considered calling the attack off.
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A Turning Point for American Independence
Despite Washington's doubts, the army had retained the element of surprise. Though the British expected an eventual assault, no one was prepared for an attack in such terrible conditions—and many Hessians were still tired from the previous day's Christmas festivities.
The Battle of Trenton went easily for the Americans with very minimal casualties. The Continental Army had secured their first major victory of the war, giving much-needed hope for American independence.
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The battle for the soul of our country will be won or lost in our classrooms. —Jack Miller
There are many battles we face today as Americans. Here at the Jack Miller Center, ours is to transform the teaching of American history and civics throughout our educational systems.
We can take heart in Washington's example of perseverance, even when the odds were against him. It's true, a great amount of work is needed to improve civic education, but we are already seeing the difference, working directly with those in the classroom teaching.
JMC is charging ahead. We've launched a new national campus initiative, three statewide high school initiatives, a new workshop series for educators, a new editorial website, new webinars, videos, and much more.
In short, we are committed to every available means to reinvigorate education in our nation’s history and founding principles—throughout our educational systems and beyond.
We cannot win this battle without your support. Will you join us in the effort?
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Hanukkah & Christmas in America: A JMC Discovery Page
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Visit our discovery page on the most celebrated winter holidays in America: Hanukkah and Christmas. Peruse historical resources and fellows’ articles that examine the influence of Hanukkah and Christmas on American culture.
Click here to visit the JMC Discovery Page >>
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About the Jack Miller Center
The Jack Miller Center is a 501(c)(3) public charity with the mission to reinvigorate education in America's founding principles and history. We work to advance the teaching and study of America's history, its political and economic institutions, and the central principles, ideas and issues arising from the American and Western traditions—all of which continue to animate our national life.
We support professors and educators through programs, resources, fellowships and more to help them teach our nation's students.
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