Final answer:
Baron von Steuben was the Prussian soldier who trained Washington’s troops at Valley Forge, and his work significantly improved the Continental Army's effectiveness. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Prussian soldier who helped train General George Washington’s troops at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778 was Baron von Steuben. His real name was Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, and with his experience, he conducted a comprehensive training program for the Continental Army.
His efforts involved drilling a small group of soldiers, who would then extend the training to others, significantly enhancing the army's capability. Baron von Steuben's Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States greatly influenced American military practices for decades.
It's also noteworthy that General George Washington was famous for leading his troops against the Hessians at the Battle of Trenton in New Jersey. Washington's surprise attack on the Hessian forces on December 26, 1776, following his iconic crossing of the Delaware River, was critical in boosting American morale during the Revolutionary War. Furthermore, the Battle of Saratoga is recognized as the battle that turned the tide of war in favor of the Americans.