Battle Of Trenton Essay

“It’s a fine fox hunt, boys!” George Washington made this comment while chasing the
British troops through the woods, during the Battle of Princeton. This battle has many causes, leaders, events, and effects that contributed to the battle’s importance.
There were many events leading up to the Battle of Princeton, as told by theamericanrevolution.org. The crossing and recrossing of the Delaware River for the second time at Trenton had proved to work in Washington’s favor and he wanted to keep up this positive morale for his troops. He had plans to return in a few days to reclaim New Jersey from the British. When British General Cadwalader learned of Washington’s ambush over the Hessians at Trenton, he too crossed the Delaware River into Trenton.

With tired troops and night upon them, Cornwallis makes the decision to let his men rest for the night and resume the attack the next morning, but they underestimated Washington’s success with sneak attacks. Washington and the rest of his troops stealthily travel around the British forces, advancing toward Princeton to attack the British from the rear. At dawn, the Americans led by Mercer and the British led by Mawhood come face to face. Mawhood’s men charge with their bayonets, while most of Mercer’s men have rifles. After Mercer is injured, Cadwalader comes to the rescue with 600 men. Although they greatly outnumber Mawhood’s 17th regiment, their strong defense pushes them back. With the extra help, Washington leads his troops within 30 yards of the British, where both sides begin firing. Charged by Washington’s men, the British retreat into the woods and the battle becomes what is referred to as a “fox hunt.” Meanwhile in Princeton, American General Sullivan, leader of the 40th and 55th regiments plan a way to drive the British out. Sending a cannon, he pushes the British into Nassau Hall, a nearby college. The Americans miss the building with

These events led to the important effects of this battle. Theamericanrevolution.org states that with almost half of their army killed, wounded, or captured, the British were ordered by General Howe to abandon New Jersey, thus the Americans gained control of the hinterlands of America. John Malam describes this defeat as one that caused the British to lose their supporters. People on the fence were now leaning toward the American colonists, and they gained more support than ever before, especially from the French who sent supplies to aid in the war effort. With this confidence boost, Americans once again believed they could stand against the British and their mission seemed possible.
After nine months of fighting battle after battle for the war for independence, the Battle of Princeton was crucial. Its great leaders, events, and effects played an important role in the outcome of the American Revolution. The defeat of the British in this battle didn’t hinder their confidence in winning the war. The Battle of Princeton was a stepping stone in the