Battle of Trenton 1776 - American Independence War DOCUMENTARY

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I honestly just want you guys to focus on this series…my favorite.

As a Jersey local, it's rather cool knowing those roads that cross Morristown are still basically there

The Writer Here: For those looking for recommended reading, David McCullough's 1776 is the most convenient source for all the events in this video. It's reasonably comprehensive while being approachable and entertaining. To preempt expected questions, here are some stories that didn't make it into the final video for reasons of time and/or narrative flow: 1. Henry Knox had no military experience prior to being sent to retrieve the cannons and didn't receive his commission as a colonel until he returned. Using 42 sleds and 80 yoke of oxen, he hauled 60 tons of cannon through over two feet of snow, insufficiently frozen rivers (requiring them to fish a number of cannons out of the water), and several mountain chains. He also had to change hauling teams as the original group didn't want to leave New York. He did it all in 10-weeks and spent just over half his allotted funds. 2. Using foreign troops was something you did to a conquered people, not to your own. Thus, hiring the Hessians was the final breaking point for many Americans. 3. Jefferson hated the final version of the Declaration, considering it horrifically mangled and ruined by the editors, though he kept his resentment private. He made copies of his original work and showed them to everyone he could for the rest of his life. 4. In addition to making Jefferson's overly purple prose more approachable to the masses, Congress took out any reference to slavery. This was partially to avoid offending the Carolina's and Georgia, and partially because Jefferson accused King George of forcing slavery on the colonies, which wasn't true. 5. The reason that Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4th rather than the 2nd is because while Congress voted for independence on the 2nd, they didn't tell anyone or send it to the printers until the 4th due to concerns about spelling mistakes and a desire to tighten some of the wording. The wider public didn't know about the original vote and so celebrated The Glorious 4th instead. John Adams deeply and publicly resented this for the rest of his life and unsuccessfully tried to get Independence Day changed to the 2nd. 6. Washington was authorized by Congress to recruit 28,501 soldiers, but only had about 19,000 at the start of the New York Campaign. 7. The 1776 attempt on Charlestown was very poorly planned and executed operation and defeated as much by tides and terrain as the militia that opposed them at the Battle of Sullivan's Island. 8. Richard Howe and Benjamin Franklin had known each other and been corresponding since the French and Indian War. Richard hoped that after Washington turned them down Franklin would be more receptive. He gave them the same answer as Washington. 9. The stand by the 1st Maryland and similar actions by other Maryland infantry regiments led Washington to call them his Old Line. It's where the state nickname comes from. 10. Glover's regiment was chosen to row the Continental Army from Brooklyn to Manhattan and again across the Delaware because it was made entirely of sailors and fishermen from the Cape Cod region. 11. Yes, the John Sullivan who commanded at Trenton was the same one captured in Brooklyn. There was an active prisoner exchange of officers throughout the war and Sullivan was exchanged for a colonel captured during the Canadian campaign. Alexander was in the same boat. 12. On that note, Charles Lee was captured in New Jersey riding ahead of his men and wouldn't be exchanged until the next year. He probably gave information to the British to receive better treatment while in captivity. 13. There's no evidence of any drinking in Trenton prior to the attack. It was reasonable for Washington to think that there would be, as English, German, and American Christmas celebrations were paper-thin excuses to get absolutely smashed. By 18th century drunkenness standards, which are much higher than today's. 14. Legend says that Col. Rall had a letter from a loyalist detailing Washington's exact battle plan, down to the precise time of the attack, unopened and in his pocket when he died. There's reason to think it's a myth from the 19th century, though Rall was being careless enough for it plausible.

As a rebellious British colonist myself, this video really inspires me

For those who have never seen it, I recommend the movie "The Crossing" with Jeff Daniels, great movie. People dont realize just how on the ropes Washington and the CA was before this battle.

Yes! more American Independence War videos! I'm loving this series.

My 6th great-grandfather George Pepperrell Frost fought in this battle, and then at Princeton a week later. Discovering his service while doing my family research has been a big thrill!

Really great episode. The revolution has never really been that interesting to me on account of how overtaught it is in schools. But this really helps put a lot of that old school work into a better context to appreciate the ebb and flow of the war. In particular, Washington's taking of Boston and his ability to keep the army together are impressive accomplishments. A lot of other leaders probably would've gotten the continental army crushed at New York.

“Those who have committed no fault want no pardon.” LMAOOOO hard asf

"History began on July 4th, 1776, everything before was a mistake." -Ron Swanson (Parks and Rec show)

This series has been incredible so far. As an American and long-time fan of this channel, it’s very exciting to see this series unfold. Thank you for like the millionth time K&G!

I'm so excited that you've done a video on the Battle of Trenton and the Washington crossing and Delaware. As someone who grew up in Trenton and Morrisville on the opposite side of the river, I'm super big history buff on this topic and I studied it all my childhood and young adulthood and I'm still interested in it today, 30 years later. Can't wait to watch this video tuning in right now!

Excellent video! I love that you included the bits about the Turtle, the British ships captured during and after the siege of Boston, the failed attack of Charleston, and others. Most documentaries don't mention any of this stuff at all, and when they do bother, it's usually out of context. Kudos!

I'm a Member for just two day!! And I'm loving the videos!!

My favorite series rn amazing work

I have ancestors on both sides of this war. My family has been in America since the 1600s, but I also have an ancestor who was one of the Hessian mercenaries. Like thousands of his comrades, he was captured by the Americans, then deserted and refused to go back to Europe after the war. What an absolutely brutal nightmare of a conflict this was for everyone involved. I recommend the book “Liberty’s Exiles” for an in-depth look at the savagery of what was, essentially, America’s first Civil War.

Can you imagine what would have happened if the British had not crushed this rebellion and re-integrated the colonies into the Empire? Imagine how crazy it would have been crazy if these 'Americans' had actually won...

11:15 Go to Bowling Green Park in downtown New York. It's surrounded by a 300+ year old iron fence. At the top of each main post you can see the jagged iron where the bronze crowns were ripped off following the reading the the declaration. It's right there, in public for all to see. It's amazing. Scars from the revolution still there after almost 250 years.

I just love the way you guys present stuff. Clear, concise and entertaining. 😎