The Battle of Trenton And the Victory at

The Battle of Trenton And the Victory at Princeton

The Declaration of Independence • The Declaration of Independence was signed and adopted on July 4 th, 1776 • This represented an official declaration of war against the British Government

Early Battles • Most early battles involved few troops – Bunker Hill • 2, 200 British • 1, 200 Americans • The British had not won a decisive battle over the Patriots • Summer of 1776 – British sent 32, 000 troops to New York – General Howe hoped that the huge army would convince the Patriots to give up

Fighting in New York • Long Island – Washington had fewer than 20, 000 troops • But they were determined to fight – Continental Army was outnumbered • They suffered heavy losses – Americans ran short on supplies • Casualties – British – 400 – American - 1500 • Washington retreats to Manhattan then to New Jersey and on to Pennsylvania

Nathan Hale • Hero at Long Island – Teacher from Connecticut – Disquised as a Dutch Schoolteacher – Wanted to spy on British • Hale was discovered and hanged – “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. ” – Nathan Hale

A Low Point • Winter of 1776 – 1777 – Continental Army dwindles – Soldiers went home or deserted • Washington wrote his brother – If new soldiers were not recruited soon, “I think the game is pretty near up. ” • Washington could not believe that the fight for liberty would truly fail.

African Americans Join the Fight • Continental Army needed soldiers – Estimated 5, 000 African. American joined the Patriots – Enslaved Africans who had run away – Fought to earn their freedom • By wars end, all colonies except South Carolina had enlisted African Americans

The Winter of 1776 -1777 • General Howe took his troops to New York for the Winter – He left New Jersey in the hands of the Hessians • Howe’s delay allowed Washington to gather reinforcements – Thomas Paine said, “These are the times that try men’s souls. ” – He urged Patriots to remain loyal to their cause

The Battle of Trenton • Washington plans a surprise attack on the Hessians • December 25, 1776 – Washington and his men cross the Delaware River into Trenton • 2, 500 Men • Lasted less than 1 hour – Patriots captured more than 900 Hessians – Only 5 American Cassualties • The victory boosted American Spirits

On to Princeton • Washington was not satisfied – Patriots march toward Princeton • January 2, 1777 – Patriots keep campfires burning – Left camp under the cover of night – The encircled the British Troops • Princeton was another victory for the Patriots – “It is a fine fox chase, my boys!” – George Washington