The Battles of Trenton and Princeton
This page provides resources 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.
Interactive Map
Use this link to access a map depicting the Battles of Trenton and Princeton!
Interactive Revolutionary War Timeline
Click to explore a timeline on the American Revolution!
The Revolution Begins
The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, and Washington and his troops struggled against the British Army. Would he get enough men - and morale - to keep going?
The Battles of Trenton
Washington needed to create a surprise attack on the British. Would his plan to cross the icy Delaware River succeed? Or would he be defeated once again by the British and Hessian troops?
The Battle of Princeton
After Washington was victorious in Trenton, he found himself surrounded by British troops. Would he stay and fight, despite the state of his soldiers? Or could he move north, towards Princeton, without the British noticing?
Primary Sources
Learn more about The Winter Patriots with these Primary Sources
- General George Washington
- The Declaration of Independence
- George Washington to Martha Washington, 1775
- George Washington to Lund Washington, 1775
- Letter Outlining the Problems of the Revolution
- American Crises by Thomas Paine
- Enlistment Form
- Washington Crossing the Delaware
- Washington's Trunk Plate
- George Washington to James Ewing
- General Orders December 27, 1776
- Field Bedstead
- The Battles of Trenton and Princeton Map
- George Washington after Princeton
- The Death of General Mercer
- From George Washington to the Commanding Officer at Morristown (Founders Online)
- George Washington to the Pennsylvania Council of Safety
- Plan of Princeton
- Smallpox Innoculation
Secondary Sources
Learn more about The Winter Patriots with these Secondary Sources
- The American Revolution
- American Revolution Resources
- Continental Army
- General Cornwallis
- Battles Washington Fought in
- Music in Battle
- Military Weapons
- Why Did George Washington Join the Revolutionary War?
- Thomas Paine
- The Battle of Trenton
- The Second Battle of Trenton
- Be Washington: The Battle of Second Trenton
- John Cadwalader
- Washington Crossing the Delaware
- 10 Facts on the Battle of Princeton
- The Battle of Princeton
- Morristown, New Jersey
- Smallpox
- Disease in the Revolutionary War
Teaching the Battles of Trenton and Princeton
This helpful section includes vocabulary terms, inquiry questions, a graphic organizer, further reading, and much more. Click the link below to access wonderful Revolutionary War resources for teachers!
Watch The Winter Patriots
Learn how Washington successfully defeated the British and Hessians at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.
This project was funded through a grant approved by the Americana Corner Preserving America Grant Program
Full Length Films
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