CMCD Russell Mather Final Essay

Mather 1 Russell R. Mather Mr. Goode U.S. History 1 November 2024 Washington’s Critical Decision in a Critical Moment: Crossing the Delaware In December 1776, General George Washington faced one of the most difficult moments of the American Revolutionary War, where he was put up against the challenge to make a critical decision in a critical moment. His army, the Continental Army, had suffered a series of harsh defeats, including the Battle of Long Island (August 27, 1776,) right after the Declaration of Independence, which forced General Washington to retreat to Manhattan. Other battles that forced Washington to retreat included The Battle of Kips Bay (September 15, 1776,) The Battle of White Plains (October 28th, 1776,) and The Fort Washington and Fort Lee Captures (November 16 and 20, 1776.) Through these battles Washington's army suffered many casualties, thousands of soldiers captured, and the shame of retreat, all damaging morale. Defeat after defeat, Washington and his men had been pushed back, losing key grounds in New York to the British. Washington and his troops had fallen back into Pennsylvania, but on the other side of the Delaware River, British and German Hessian forces were stationed in New Jersey. The morale of the colonies and especially the Continental Army was exceptionally low; soldiers were deserting, and supplies were running out. Now Washington was confronted with a critical decision. This decision was that he would gamble all his power and army forces by making a dangerous cross of the Delaware River on Christmas night (December 25, 1776) to catch the Hessians off guard and change the course of the Revolutionary War. This risk might cause even more soldiers to desert the cause, or he could risk an attack from the enemy. Washington made the bold decision to cross the river under the cover of darkness to make a surprise attack on Christmas night while the Hessians were drunk and off guard. Washington's end goal was to Mather 2 capture Hessian and British soldiers, capture supplies, take back battlegrounds and to damage their morale, all while boosting American morale and turning the war in their favor. Washington was the leader of the Continental Army, tasked with guiding his troops through the challenges of the Revolutionary War. His military experience came from fighting in the French and Indian War years earlier, where he served as a young officer in the Virginia militia. He had a strong reputation, a sense of responsibility, duty, and belief in the cause of American independence. Washington was a leader who inspired his men by example, showing courage and determination. He believed that risks had to be taken for the sake of the cause, even if it involved him and his army in a precarious situation. Washington's confidence and strategy made him the best person to lead and make the critical and risky decisions for the sake of the people behind him who he led. Even before the decision was made to cross the Delaware River, it was proven that Washington was the best person to make the choice. He had made beneficial critical decisions in the past, like choosing to focus on discipline and organized drills for his army, preparing his soldiers to face the more experienced British forces, despite understanding the limitations of his untrained troops. Looking at George Washington from a political standpoint, many historians view George Washington positively for his leadership, decision-making, quick judgment, and the lasting impact he had on the colonies and eventually the United States, setting examples we still follow today. He was seen as an extremely strong and powerful leader who was a strategic genius in battle. Other countries including Britain were in fear of having him against them, knowing how he brought power to even small armies like the Continental Army. Washington's decision to take command of the Continental Army in 1775 demonstrated his belief in the colonies' potential for success against British forces, even up against almost impossible challenges. His ability to Mather 3 maintain morale among his troops during tough times, including the harsh winter at Valley Forge, is one of the things that makes him so highly viewed by historians through the political lens. Washington's options were limited; it was necessary for him to take a risk if he wanted his men to not only make it out alive but win the war. He faced the choice to either keep on continuously being forced to retreat, losing men and key battle territory to the British, or perform a miracle to overturn the continental army's title as the underdogs. His plan was to cross the icy Delaware River on Christmas night and attack the Hessian troops in Trenton, hoping they would be off guard and drunk from partying and celebrating. This was an extremely dangerous maneuver; the river was filled with ice, the weather was very cold, and a snowstorm was blowing in. The plan called for critical, and split-second timing, and Washington was hoping to catch the enemy by surprise. Dividing his army into more than one column, he had them cross the river at night and then move toward Trenton from different directions, with the intent of surrounding the Hessians. Still, Washington was determined to push on, realizing that success here might mean the restoration of trust in their struggle for freedom, and a good boost in morale necessary for them to win their independence. Washington and his men began executing the plan on the night of December 25th, 1776. The attack was successful. Washington's troops surprised the Hessians during the early hours of the 26th of December, winning the battle at an exceedingly small cost to the American side. The victory sparked the spirits of Washington's soldiers and proved to them that victory over the British was possible, boosting morale. Washington's decision to take the risk had paid off, showing that he was ready to face great challenges for the sake of his country. The victory at the Battle of Trenton, capturing over 1000 Hessian soldiers prisoner with little to no American loss, Mather 4 gave renewed hope and strength to the Continental Army. This moment turned out to be one of the turning points of the war, all because of Washington's critical decision. Washington's decision to cross the Delaware River in such dangerous conditions showed his courage and strong leadership, proving the reasoning behind why historians view him so highly through the political lens and point of view. The victory at Trenton not only altered the course of the war but also gave the soldiers and supporters of independence renewed hope. People began to join the war, fighting for the American cause. American spirits and morale were at an all-time boost and illustrated the potential for success against British forces. This was crucial in convincing the French that the Americans had a fighting chance, which was a factor in their decision to provide support. Washington's decision to take this risk, when the odds were against him, became a symbol of his commitment and perseverance. This moment highlighted the qualities that helped him lead through the darkest times, setting an example of what it means to lead with strength and purpose. George Washington's stature and high measure of positive leadership are completely deserved and just. He proved how much he deserves this image through the political view by the impactful critical decisions he has made in critical moments. Any society is bound to succeed with a leader like him. Mather 5 Works Cited Paine, Thomas. The American Crisis. Number I. Printed by Styner and Cist, 1776. Thacher, James. Military Journal of the American Revolution. New York: Arno Press, 1969. Washington, George. “General Orders, 25 December 1776.” The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 7, edited by Philander D. Chase, University of Virginia Press, 1997. “Crossing of the Delaware.” George Washington's Mount Vernon, www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/crossing-of-thedelaware. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024. “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” Bill of Rights Institute, billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/washington-crossing-the-delaware. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024. “History of Washington’s Crossing.” Washington Crossing Historic Park, www.washingtoncrossingpark.org/cross-with-us/history/. Accessed 26 Oct. 2024. "ChatGPT." OpenAI, https://chatgpt.com. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.