By December 1776, the American cause was in serious trouble. The British had captured New York and were advancing southward. Washington's army was vastly outnumbered and poorly supplied. In a desperate attempt to turn the tide, Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night and attacked the Hessian garrison at Trenton. The attack was a complete success, and Washington's army captured over 1,000 prisoners. The victory at Trenton boosted the morale of the American army and gave them new hope for victory.
Here's a more detailed timeline of the events that happened on the day that Washington captured Trenton:
* December 25, 1776:
* Washington and his army cross the Delaware River at McKonkey's Ferry.
* They march to Trenton, New Jersey, where the Hessians are stationed.
* Washington divides his army into three columns and attacks the Hessians from three different directions.
* The Hessians are caught off guard and are quickly defeated.
* Washington's army captures over 1,000 prisoners and a large amount of supplies.
* December 26, 1776:
* Washington and his army return to Pennsylvania.
* They are hailed as heroes by the American people.
* The victory at Trenton boosts the morale of the American army and gives them new hope for victory.
The Battle of Trenton was a turning point in the American Revolution. It proved that the Americans could defeat the British in battle, and it gave them the confidence they needed to continue the fight for independence.