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1-Page Summary of Washington’s Crossing

Overview

Washington’s Crossing (2004) by David Hackett Fischer is a narrative history of the events that led to George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware on Christmas night in 1776. This bold move, leading to a victory for the Continental army, was a pivotal moment in the American Revolution. It proved that even though they had an army much larger than their own, the British could be defeated.

In 1776, General Washington was considering his recent defeat. He led a group of farmers and tradesmen who were not accustomed to military discipline. They had lost 2,800 men in the battle for New York City. The general retreated across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania with his beleaguered troops.

Meanwhile, General William Howe decided to make his headquarters in New Jersey. He sent out British troops all over the state, including German mercenaries and aristocratic horse brigades. Although they were different groups with different cultures and traditions, they were under strict central control by Howe. The general thought it was risky but believed that the Continental Army would not launch an attack after their defeat at White Plains because of their weakness.

Meanwhile, independent militias had sprung up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania to fight the British forces. They often attacked at vulnerable times (during transport) and won many skirmishes against the British. Colonel Johann Gottlieb Rall’s forces in Trenton were constantly on alert for attacks, and Colonel von Donop was forced to retreat from his position at Bordentown. Washington learned that he could work with these independent rebels by asking them for input as he planned strategy based on their intelligence reports of a weak defense in Trenton. He made plans to attack on Christmas night.

The Americans were able to cross the Delaware River on Christmas night, even though it was stormy and there was ice in the water. They attacked the British forces at Trenton early on the following morning and won a decisive victory. Afterwards, Washington decided to pull his troops back across the river into Delaware.

After Washington promised his troops a bonus and gave them a rousing speech, the Continental army attacked Trenton. The British forces in the area were surprised by the attack, so they sent reinforcements. However, Washington decided to send some of his tired men to Princeton instead. Though it was risky (some soldiers didn’t have shoes), many rallied to their cause and won another battle against the British on January 3rd.

After the setback in New York, Washington learned to work with his ragtag rebel forces. He managed them and led them in their successful battles against the British army. This success boosted support for the revolution among colonists, who were drawn into fighting alongside Washington’s troops. The war was fought by small groups of rebels who struck vulnerable targets and then retreated before they could be caught by the British soldiers. By spring 1777, a vast British force of 31,000 had been reduced to just 14,000 effective soldiers.

Book Structure

David Hackett Fischer’s book about the American Revolution is intricate and captivating because of how it weaves together many aspects of Washington’s Crossing. The text chronologically supports the events while offering crucial background stories, which include footnotes. Sketches, illustrations, and maps support the heart of each chapter as well as that vital inspirational aspect for inspiring leaders who wish to discover new ideas in this area.

There is also a bibliography, historical perspectives, sources and an index.