The Winter Patriots

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The Battles of Trenton and Princeton

This page provides resources on the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. It relies heavily on The Winter Patriots, a 25-minute film that covers America's declaration of independence, Washington's strategies behind the early Revolutionary War battles, and mandated smallpox inoculations. Use these resources to view the film, learn more about the Revolutionary War, and find incredible source materials! 

Watch the Full Film

Click to watch the full film of The Winter Patriots: A Revolutionary War Tale.

View by Chapter

Scroll to see links to individual chapters of The Winter Patriots: A Revolutionary War Tale.

Trailer

Trailer: The Winter Patriots

This one minute trailer shows a preview of what the actual video includes.
Chapter One

Chapter One: Winter Patriots

This one minute chapter is an introduction to the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.
Chapter Two

Chapter Two: A Conquering Wind

This three minute chapter covers the beginnings of the American Revolution.
Chapter Three

Chapter Three: The American Crisis

This three minute chapter covers the initial defeat of the Americans and the inspiring words of Thomas Paine.
Chapter Four

Chapter Four: Washington's Crossing

This two minute chapter covers Washington's first plan to cross the Delaware.
Chapter Five

Chapter Five: The Attack

This two minute chapter covers the First Battle of Trenton - Washington's surprise attack on the Hessian and British soldiers.
Chapter Six

Chapter Six: A Second Crossing

This three minute chapter covers Washington's second crossing of the Delaware and his plea to his army.
Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven: The Battle of Second Trenton

This two minute chapter covers Washington's second attack on Trenton and his fight against Cornwallis's army.
Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight: A Tale of Two Councils

This two minute chapter covers Washington's deception of Cornwallis.
Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine: The Battle of Princeton

This two minute chapter covers Washington's attack on General Mawhood in the Battle of Princeton.
Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten: A Revolution Saved

This five minute chapter covers what happened after Washington's victories. It also discusses smallpox inoculations.

Interactive Map

Use this link to access a map depicting the Battles of Trenton and Princeton!

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Interactive Revolutionary War Timeline

Click to explore a timeline on the American Revolution!

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The Battle of Trenton

Washington crossed the Delaware River with his troops on Christmas Eve, 1776. The river was icy, and the men experienced intense amounts of rain, hail, and snow. Nevertheless, Washington was surprisingly successful in his efforts and managed to surprise Hessian and British troops.

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The Battle of Princeton

After Washington was victorious in Trenton, he turned to fight the British in Princeton. Washington successfully deceived General Cornwallis into thinking the Americans were staying at Trenton and led the Continental Army to defeat the British in battle.

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Primary Source: Trenton Letter

Washington wrote this letter to General James Ewing just before the Battle of Trenton. Washington inquired about the location of the British, and suggested that Ewing send a spy over to gain more information.

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Primary Source: Portrait of Washington after Princeton

After the Battle of Princeton, Washington got his portrait painted by Charles Wilson Peale. Peale watched as Washington's troops defeated the British at Princeton, which inspired Washington's expression and dress in this painting.

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Primary Source: Smallpox Inoculation Letter

Smallpox was a dangerous disease in the eighteenth century. Many of Washington's soldiers received inoculations after the Battle of Princeton - a dangerous, yet effective treatment. Washington described this in a letter to David Grier in March 1777.

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Educational Videos

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Watch The Winter Patriots

Learn how Washington successfully defeated the British and Hessians at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.

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