Final answer:
The Battle of Trenton was won by the Continental Army under the command of General George Washington on December 26, 1776. They defeated the Hessian forces, capturing over nine hundred soldiers along with weapons and supplies, thereby significantly boosting American morale.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Battle of Trenton was a decisive American victory during the Revolutionary War. On December 26, 1776, after a perilous crossing of the icy Delaware River, General George Washington led the Continental Army to surprise the Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. Despite the harsh weather and the difficult transit, Washington's troops successfully marched nine miles to Trenton. The Hessians, under the command of Colonel Johann Rall, were unprepared for the assault due to the inclement weather, thinking themselves safe from an attack. The Hessians fought with discipline but faced issues with their weapons, which often failed to fire. This, combined with tactical moves by Washington to cut off their retreat, led to a sound defeat of the Hessians. Colonel Rall was mortally wounded, and the battle resulted in the capture of over nine hundred Hessian soldiers, as well as vital supplies, weapons, and ammunition. The victory greatly increased American morale during a critical time of the war.
The success of General Washington at Trenton had far-reaching implications. It represented a bold deviation from eighteenth-century military tactics, which traditionally called for combat only during warmer months. This unexpected offensive, during the winter and specifically on a holiday, caught the mercenary forces off guard and led to the crucial capture of Trenton that provided the revolutionary forces with much-needed supplies and a boost in confidence.
Ultimately, this important Battle was a major turning point for the Continental Army and set the stage for subsequent victories, including the Battle of Princeton, which further bolstered American resistance against British rule.