Why did Washington and his troops cross the Delaware River in small boats on Christmas night, 1776?
A. The weather was good and the troops hoped to find a sheltered place to rest.
B. Washington was leading them to a surprise attack on the British at Trenton.
C. Washington’s troops were retreating from a Hessian attack force.
D. They were attempting to get home to their families to celebrate the holiday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington%27s_crossing_of_the_Delaware_River
These things are so easily googled!!
The correct answer is B. Washington was leading them to a surprise attack on the British at Trenton.
To find the answer, you can start by doing some historical research on the events that took place during the American Revolutionary War.
The crossing of the Delaware River by George Washington and his troops on Christmas night, 1776, is a significant moment in American history known as the Battle of Trenton.
After suffering multiple defeats and with the enlistments of many soldiers nearing their end, Washington and his army were in a dire situation. In an attempt to revive the morale of his troops and gain a strategic advantage, Washington devised a plan to attack the Hessian troops stationed at Trenton, New Jersey.
The decision to cross the Delaware River using small boats was driven by several factors. Firstly, the weather conditions played a crucial role as the freezing temperatures caused the Delaware River to partially freeze, effectively reducing the British army's ability to counterattack. Additionally, crossing the river at night allowed them to maintain an element of surprise, catching the Hessian forces off guard.
By successfully executing the crossing and launching a surprise attack on the morning of December 26th, Washington and his troops achieved a decisive victory at Trenton. This victory not only boosted the morale of the American forces but also had a significant impact on the course of the war, bolstering support for the American cause.
So, the correct answer is B. Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware River in small boats on Christmas night, 1776, to lead a surprise attack on the British at Trenton.