Nj Geographical Influence On The Battle Of Trenton Essay

Sean Marcisin July 13th, 2009

NJ Geographical Influence on the Battle of Trenton

George Washington's troops position; along with New Jerseys landscape were a huge influence in the outcome of the Battle at Trenton. The Delaware river and local weather conditions were the main driving forces that aloud for such an unexpected attack on the Hessians. The fact that is was also Christmas may also have been a factor but to what extent is unknown. Officer John Greenwood stated "I am certain not a drop of liquor was drunk during the whole night, nor, as I could see, even a piece of bread eaten." (Fischer p.426) General Washington planned a brilliant attack and this huge victory was a large turning point in the war. More men re-enlisted into the army and the overall morale was increased significantly.
The crossing is depicted with Washington standing on the boat and his man seated, Fischer argues that because the crossing took place in a storm, anyone who sat down in the boats would have been sitting in ice water and thus they would have stood (p. 216)
With the army separated due to retreats from New York, General George Washington had to strategically plan his next attack. Knowing his men were only enlisted until the 31st of December he knew he had little time to attack. With the morale so low there were men leaving early and the troops numbers were dwindling. Washington order his troops to take 3 days rations and rags for their feet if they did not have shoes to keep frost bite from setting in.
By choosing to cross the Delaware river Washington's troops were able to avoid a more treacherous walk to the Hessians. The river itself was not a walk in the park. The river was filled with ice and made crossing almost impossible. However no one died during the trip and all the artillery was in good condition. (Fischer p.219) The planned attack was delayed several hours due to the amount of time it took to cross the river and put all the troops into order on the...