Battle of Princeton facts for kids

The Battle of Princeton was an important battle during the American Revolution. It happened in January of 1777 near Princeton, New Jersey. This battle took place just one week after the Battle of Trenton. There, General George Washington led the Continental Army to a surprise win against the British.

After their success at Trenton, Washington and his Continental Army moved toward Princeton. They quickly defeated a smaller group of British soldiers. However, a much larger British force, led by General Charles Cornwallis, soon found out about the Americans. Cornwallis and his troops began to chase Washington's army. But the Americans were clever! They burned bridges behind them to slow the British down. They also fired at the British from a distance. Finally, Washington's army managed to escape safely to Morristown, New Jersey.

This battle was a big win for the Americans. It made their soldiers feel much more hopeful about winning the war.

The Battle of Princeton: A Key Victory

The Battle of Princeton was a smart move by General George Washington. It showed that the American army could fight well. It also proved that Washington was a very clever leader.

Before the Battle: A Risky Plan

After their victory at Trenton, Washington knew the British would be angry. General Cornwallis was coming with many soldiers to fight back. Washington's army was tired and low on supplies. They needed another victory to keep spirits high.

Washington decided on a bold plan. Instead of fighting Cornwallis head-on, he would trick the British. He planned to sneak his army around Cornwallis's forces. Then, they would attack the British supplies in Princeton.

The Surprise Attack

On the night of January 2, 1777, Washington's army left their campfires burning. This made it look like they were still there. But secretly, they marched around the British army. They moved quietly through the night toward Princeton.

Early on January 3, the Americans met some British troops near Princeton. A fierce fight began. At first, the British seemed to be winning. But General Washington rode to the front lines. He bravely rallied his soldiers. His courage inspired the Americans to fight even harder.

American Victory and Escape

The American soldiers pushed forward. They defeated the British forces in Princeton. Many British soldiers were killed, injured, or captured. The Americans had very few losses.

After the battle, Washington knew Cornwallis would soon arrive. So, he quickly moved his army away from Princeton. They destroyed bridges to slow down the chasing British. Washington's army then marched to Morristown, New Jersey. This was a safe place for them to rest and regroup.

Why the Battle Mattered

The Battle of Princeton was a huge success for the Americans. It showed that the Continental Army could win against the powerful British. It greatly increased the morale (hope and confidence) of the American people and soldiers. This victory, along with the Battle of Trenton, helped convince more people to join the fight for independence. It also showed other countries that the Americans had a real chance to win the war.

Images for kids

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  General George Washington at Trenton on the night of January 2, 1777 by John Trumbull (1792)

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  The Battle of Princeton, January 2–3, 1777

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  The Battle of Princeton by James Peale (1782), depicts Washington and his headquarters flag.

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  Site of Joseph Moulder's battery. Mawhood's British troops attacked uphill toward this position.

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  The Death of General Mercer at the Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777 by John Trumbull, with British Captain William Leslie, shown on the right, mortally wounded

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  A 1784 portrait of Washington by Charles Willson Peale depicting him at the Battle of Princeton

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Princeton para niños