The American Revolution: Battle of Trenton | New Jersey: Then and Now

The Battle of Trenton was a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. At that time, the British had a chain of towns firmly under their control. This, coupled with the fact that many of Washington’s soldiers’ enlistments were about to expire on New Year’s Day, forced Washington to make a bold plan. The Americans crossed the Delaware River on December 25, 1776 and attack Trenton the following day. Over a ten-hour period, 2,400 soldiers, 18 cannon and 100 horses crossed the frigid waters on ferries from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. This resource provides a background on the Battle and how it changed the course of the American Revolution. 

This video is from the archives of the New Jersey Network. For more New Jersey social studies content, visit the New Jersey: Then and Now collection.