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this is awesome I remember on one of your last videos about the war I suggested you guys should Make a video about Trenton considering it was the turning point of the war..thanks 👍🏽 Trenton's my hometown and the barracks that the Americans took is still there today as a kid we would take trips over there all the time, they would do reenactments an all ! its right In downtown Trenton and so is a building that was turned into a bank but it was a temporary White House at that time of the war
The Writer Here: For those looking for recommended reading, David McCullough's _1776_ is the most convenient source for all the events in this video. It's reasonably comprehensive while being approachable and entertaining. To preempt expected questions, here are some stories that didn't make it into the final video for reasons of time and/or narrative flow: 1. Henry Knox had no military experience prior to being sent to retrieve the cannons and didn't receive his commission as a colonel until he returned. Using 42 sleds and 80 yoke of oxen, he hauled 60 tons of cannon through over two feet of snow, insufficiently frozen rivers (requiring them to fish a number of cannons out of the water), and several mountain chains. He also had to change hauling teams as the original group didn't want to leave New York. He did it all in 10-weeks and spent just over half his allotted funds. 2. Using foreign troops was something you did to a conquered people, not to your own. Thus, hiring the Hessians was the final breaking point for many Americans. 3. Jefferson *hated* the final version of the Declaration, considering it horrifically mangled and ruined by the editors, though he kept his resentment private. He made copies of his original work and showed them to everyone he could for the rest of his life. 4. In addition to making Jefferson's overly purple prose more approachable to the masses, Congress took out any reference to slavery. This was partially to avoid offending the Carolina's and Georgia, and partially because Jefferson accused King George of forcing slavery on the colonies, which wasn't true. 5. The reason that Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4th rather than the 2nd is because while Congress voted for independence on the 2nd, they didn't tell anyone or send it to the printers until the 4th due to concerns about spelling mistakes and a desire to tighten some of the wording. The wider public didn't know about the original vote and so celebrated The Glorious 4th instead. John Adams deeply and publicly resented this for the rest of his life and unsuccessfully tried to get Independence Day changed to the 2nd. 6. Washington was authorized by Congress to recruit 28,501 soldiers, but only had about 19,000 at the start of the New York Campaign. 7. The 1776 attempt on Charlestown was very poorly planned and executed operation and defeated as much by tides and terrain as the militia that opposed them at the Battle of Sullivan's Island. 8. Richard Howe and Benjamin Franklin had known each other and been corresponding since the French and Indian War. Richard hoped that after Washington turned them down Franklin would be more receptive. He gave them the same answer as Washington. 9. The stand by the 1st Maryland and similar actions by other Maryland infantry regiments led Washington to call them his Old Line. It's where the state nickname comes from. 10. Glover's regiment was chosen to row the Continental Army from Brooklyn to Manhattan and again across the Delaware because it was made entirely of sailors and fishermen from the Cape Cod region. 11. Yes, the John Sullivan who commanded at Trenton was the same one captured in Brooklyn. There was an active prisoner exchange of officers throughout the war and Sullivan was exchanged for a colonel captured during the Canadian campaign. Alexander was in the same boat. 12. On that note, Charles Lee was captured in New Jersey riding ahead of his men and wouldn't be exchanged until the next year. He probably gave information to the British to receive better treatment while in captivity. 13. There's no evidence of any drinking in Trenton prior to the attack. It was reasonable for Washington to think that there would be, as English, German, and American Christmas celebrations were paper-thin excuses to get absolutely smashed. By 18th century drunkenness standards, which are much higher than today's. 14. Legend says that Col. Rall had a letter from a loyalist detailing Washington's exact battle plan, down to the precise time of the attack, unopened and in his pocket when he died. There's reason to think it's a myth from the 19th century, though Rall was being careless enough for it plausible.
I really really really appreciate that. I'm an avid reader so this is a big 🎉 for my brain. Definitely gonna pick it up. Any recommendations for writings that give insight into adv soldier life?
Both Jefferson and Adams went on to die on a 4th of July. That was also the anniversary of Washington surrendering at Fort Necessity during the Indian and French wars.
The barracks Washington took is still there in downtown Trenton, they do reenactments for school trips n ext Trenton was also the capital of the United States so the old building that was used as the White House is still there it's been turned into several banks since then
The Battle of Springfield! The British came over from Staten Island through Elizabeth to go up Galloping Hill Rd to eventually reach Morris Ave. When the British turned off Westfield Avenue to head north they were fired on by 16 year old boys from Roselle. The boys grabbed their muskets and fired against the British who retreated for the first day. On the next day, the British got to Conncticut Farms Church. Patriots in the church used hymnals as wadding to fire at the British. Some British soldier fired into the parsonage house and killed the pastor's wife Hannah Caldwell. It is not good to shot a pastor's wife while she is at home. The sentiment of the people in NJ was outrage. Many Torreys became Patriots. This really turned the war in Washington's favor.
I'm not from there but I was stationed in NJ during the Bicentennial years ('76 - '81). I didn't know that much about the local history and Internet access was notoriously spotty back then 😆 so it wasn't nearly as easy as now to research things and keep up on scheduled events, living histories, battle recreations, whatever. I missed out on a lot of stuff that I now wish I had known about and gone to see. I did go to the colonial area of Philly many times in those years and a few times since. One of those visits to Philly and taking all of the NPS tours and etc was with a friend of mine who was visiting from England, which made it even more interesting seeing it from her POV. Such an amazing area for history buffs.
@@carter2671Many Hessians ran away during the course of the war. They either joined German communities or hid in the mountains between NJ and NY. They hid away, living off the land, in ramshackle homes, marrying Delaware or ??, and stayed out of mainstream society for 150 years.
Really great episode. The revolution has never really been that interesting to me on account of how overtaught it is in schools. But this really helps put a lot of that old school work into a better context to appreciate the ebb and flow of the war. In particular, Washington's taking of Boston and his ability to keep the army together are impressive accomplishments. A lot of other leaders probably would've gotten the continental army crushed at New York.
For those who have never seen it, I recommend the movie "The Crossing" with Jeff Daniels, great movie. People dont realize just how on the ropes Washington and the CA was before this battle.
When Sir Charles Lee abandoned his position at Monmouth without permission George was furious. Onlookers said his voice could've shaken trees he was so mad. Washington was known for composure and he lost it all then, he was red in the face screaming at Lee for his actions. Lee mouthed back as the story goes and it caused his court martial. No surprise because Lee basically from the start of the war believed he could lead the Army better than George.
I love that film! Daniels is probably my favorite screen Washington, and Sebastian Roche as John Glover is just a delight. Roche also played Lafayette in PBS’s miniseries “Liberty!!”
@@Hillbilly001 In researching my family tree, I discovered my 6th great grandfather George Pepperrell Frost, who fought in the war. I found a letter online that his great-great-grandson wrote about his grandmother’s memories of her grandfather’s stories of the war. In it, she said that Frost remembered that, during the winter at Valley Forge, he either saw himself and/or heard stories from other soldiers of Washington cussing up a storm when supplies weren’t forthcoming, and personally saw the general retreat to the woods for a walk or horse ride when the stress was getting high.
11:15 Go to Bowling Green Park in downtown New York. It's surrounded by a 300+ year old iron fence. At the top of each main post you can see the jagged iron where the bronze crowns were ripped off following the reading the the declaration. It's right there, in public for all to see. It's amazing. Scars from the revolution still there after almost 250 years.
This series has been incredible so far. As an American and long-time fan of this channel, it’s very exciting to see this series unfold. Thank you for like the millionth time K&G!
I'm so excited that you've done a video on the Battle of Trenton and the Washington crossing and Delaware. As someone who grew up in Trenton and Morrisville on the opposite side of the river, I'm super big history buff on this topic and I studied it all my childhood and young adulthood and I'm still interested in it today, 30 years later. Can't wait to watch this video tuning in right now!
Excellent video! I love that you included the bits about the Turtle, the British ships captured during and after the siege of Boston, the failed attack of Charleston, and others. Most documentaries don't mention any of this stuff at all, and when they do bother, it's usually out of context. Kudos!
My 6th great-grandfather George Pepperrell Frost fought in this battle, and then at Princeton a week later. Discovering his service while doing my family research has been a big thrill!
Thank you so much for this. It's so weird looking at this forested map of Brooklyn, with a little town roughly where each neighborhood is today. I mean, I know it was like this at the time, but it's such a contrast to growing up here today that it's really hard to imagine. I grew up about three blocks up the hill from the Old Stone House where the 1st Maryland made that stand to cover Washington's retreat, and I love finding plaques scattered around Brooklyn marking where various events in this part of the war took place.
Can you imagine what would have happened if the British had not crushed this rebellion and re-integrated the colonies into the Empire? Imagine how crazy it would have been crazy if these 'Americans' had actually won...
@Smethells2023 "I wish we had a military" - The British with free healthcare, an inadequate number of ships, planes, tanks, and recruits to crew them.
I was pretty psyched up when I seen this video made Trenton is my hometown and this battle was the "turning point" of the war and I barley see any videos about it
@@WizrdBoy The barracks that Washington took are still there of course it's a tourist area The barracks have been kept up pretty good in original condition pretty much The only thing that's still the same around it is they kept the brick road that leads into it ( the side street ) and it's not far from the river at all maybe a football field away. it's a highway and then the river . The barracks are down a hill because from there and up all the streets and the buildings are built on top of a hill and at the top of that is the D&r canal ..and assunpink Creek is to the south of downtown..right down the street from the barracks is what's now a big ass bank but that bank was the White House , Trenton was made the capital of the U.S for a little bit of time during the war after the battle at the creek ..just look up on google Trenton NJ barracks to see what it looks like
I have ancestors on both sides of this war. My family has been in America since the 1600s, but I also have an ancestor who was one of the Hessian mercenaries. Like thousands of his comrades, he was captured by the Americans, then deserted and refused to go back to Europe after the war. What an absolutely brutal nightmare of a conflict this was for everyone involved. I recommend the book “Liberty’s Exiles” for an in-depth look at the savagery of what was, essentially, America’s first Civil War.
The British tendency to reuse names makes all of this confusing, funny, or both. You have George Washington encamped at Cambridge, and yet thousands of miles away from London, and you have British troops leaving the Caribbean so they can march through a place called Jamaica Pass.
The writer here: The shared surnames are worse. There are a dozen Lees and Clintons on both sides of this conflict. It's impossible to keep them all straight without org charts.
@kingsandgenerals great video per usual. couple things ambiguous here that I believe are well documented enough now: 1- the reason why the Hessians had trouble firing was wet conditions resulting in issues with the pans/gun powder in general 2-expanding on #1, the artillery of the Americans were less susceptible to the elements are were likely the single most important part of this battle. The Americans had trouble with their muskets firing as well, until they were able to take some of the buildings and dry out their powder and pans indoors before continuing. 3-Rall and his troops were not hungover, and Washington did not expect them to be. Rather, he had hoped to catch them early with overwhelming force from multiple directions. As was aptly covered in this video, most of these goals were not met. This is information I have collected over several years during "Patriots Week" lectures, events, etc in Trenton and the surrounding area. Each year from ~Dec 23rd to Jan 3rd Washington Crossing, PA down to Trenton, NJ and east to Princeton, NJ hosts "Patriot Week" where e historians, authors & reenactors host a variety of gatherings that are really educational and fun! Would recommend to anyone that finds an opportunity to attend
I remember hearing and reading about all these events in school as a part of the mandated history curriculum. I always thought it was boring. Thank you for bringing this back to life in a way that both makes it exciting, but also in a way that stokes my anticipation for the next episode.
I’m From North Jersey and I’m not too far from Washington headquarters and where the winter mutiny happened. Sometimes I have to pass Federal Hill and I cannot imagine how much history there is all around this place I think it’s great.
The First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, the last remaining mounted American Army unit still in continual service since these battles, was Washington's forward scouts during Trenton and Princeton. The unit still exists within the 1-104th CAV regiment, A Troop in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. They still elect their own members, forfeit their own pay, and ride horses.
Time stamp 7:06 to 7:22, thanks for covering this early form of Continental Privateering. Privateering was a key logistics component of the War of Independence, sadly little documented. But a great read covering it's aspects is Eric Jay Dolin's REBELS AT SEA. A great adjunct to it, is the trade paper booklet PIRATES & PATRIOTS OF THE REVOLUTION by Doctor C. Wilbur.. I highly recommend them both!
There were some really good documentaries growing up on the American revolution I enjoyed. But these go into a lot more detail on individual battles rather than just the overall info which I really love.
you can say a lot of things about him but man did he know how to retreat. His greatest achievement was keeping an army in the field through the revolution long enough to achieve victory. He was not the greatest general but to take a bunch of competing element united them and holding them together while preventing the brittish from surrounding him has to put him as one of the greats to lead an army.
I am from a small town in Maryland where some of the members of 1st Maryland were from. The namesake of our county was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but as I understand there was a substantial loyalist contingent in the area as well.
Love this series. Also would like to see more progress on the War of The Spanish Succession. There is only one other youtube channel (I won't mention their name) that goes into detail on the Spanish Succession and the narration is horrible. Kings & Generals knows how to get it done. Please do it. Thanks. Edit: Just realized the Spanish Succession is members-only. My bad. Whatever. Just do it lol.
True story.While the Hessians were in Trenton,and before the River froze over, our Schlagel Father (at that time), rowed across to the Hessian camp,and spoke to them in German.He asked them,"why are you fighting us,?,...we are mostly Germans like yourselves." He then said,"if any man here wants to lay down his arms,I'll give you one of my daughters to marry,and some land to live on". 2 men, one named Johann Schwalm, got into the boat with him and rowed back to Bucks County, Pa. Johann is buried on the Schlagel farm,and I was told this story by my late Aunt Marie. That's one you won't see in them history books!
Never have i felt more patriotic and proud to be an American watching a K&G video than right now and my family didn't even move here until 1959 and 1962! DOWN WITH THE BRITISH!!!!
My very great grandfather took part in the Battle of Trenton though it was on the side of the Hessian's. He had been impressed into the Hessian army and sent to the colonies so he was part of the Hessian force at Trenton and was captured as the result of the battle. Now later given the chance to return back home or stay he choose to stay and settle near what is now Saratoga Springs. There he met a Dutch lady and they got married and started a family. Oh his wife was once a captive of the French & Indian Wars when she and her older sister were taken captive in a raid and the rest of her family were killed by the Indians.
Probably because of the need to summarize to shorten the lenght of the series, but this video feels like is rushing a little bit through the events. Not at all an expert on these events but the siege of Boston and the defence of New York could very well be enough for one video, with the continental army crisys and Trenton counterattack being a separate one. There are a few off map events mentioned without brief explanation, for example an attempt on Charleston I had to google. Finally casualty estimates for all the battles except Trenton are missing. Love the topic (lack knowledge about it) and like the overall impostation of the series however, keep it coming!
Native Trentonian, born and bred. The city has gone through some VERY hard times, but we are proud of our contribution to the nation. We have a long history of being an underrated piece of American history, intellectualism, and industry, but we know the truth: TRENTON MAKES, THE WORLD TAKES
Thank you for the American Revolutionary War videos; really enjoying seeing the event playing out from the bird's eye view... (Now, if there's ANY CHANCE the "Battle" of Penobscot Bay can happen - most likely as part of a larger video - that would be amazing.
The Writer Here: Sorry to disappoint, but that embarrassing debacle like most of the Continental Navy's actions will be skimmed over due to time constraints and their lack of impact on the overall war. It's a good story, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't impactful enough to go into detail.
Trenton was once the capital of the United States and the battle was the true turning point of the revolutionary war. Born and raised in Trenton, I've noticed the historical significance in this capital city. ✅
👍🏽💪🏽 yes sir A lot of people don't even know that !That bank that's downtown I think it's a wachovia Bank still maybe but that was the White House at the time The one across from the Old commerce Bank I think it's investors now.. That's my hometown as well so I was psyched up when I saw this video😂
Fun Fact: One of the men wounded at the Battle of Trenton was James Monroe. He had been hit by a musket ball and was in grave danger of dying. But thankfully a Patriot Doctor was able to save the poor man's life and of course he would go on to be the 5th President of the United States.
I had high hopes for this series, but I’m starting to have my doubts. The events between the Battle of Bunker Hill and Trenton all deserve their own videos so they can be covered in greater detail: the failed invasion of Canada, the culmination of the Siege of Boston, the political maneuvering that led to the Declaration, and the disastrous Long Island campaign. This approach, just like your approach to the War of the Ring in the first three videos on the subject over at Wizards and Warriors, is too broad.
I agree , they should have their own separate videos but I am glad they made this video though ! The battle of Trenton doesn't get the coverage it deserves! it was literally "the turning point" of the war .. plus Trenton is my hometown so I'm a little bit biased 😂😂 I wanted Trenton to have their own video
I know a lot can be said about the old fighting style of marching in columns. But I can only imagine the terror of having a somewhat fortified position and seeing red uniforms marching towards your position from three different angles.
I really liked how you showed the turtle underwater and hopefully if you do the American civil war hopefully you do the same for the confederate submarine H L Hunley.
It's interesting to look at this from the lense of militia groups in the current day. Battle of Trenton was so huge for the little rebellion, yet from the perspective of the 20-30k British soldiers it was peanuts. Only a handful of casualties and less than 1000 combined soldiers involved- it seems almost trivial
If your living on the Mid-Atlantic and your a man of good education and sound posture you can join a regiment like ours by googling muskets of the crown (moc) and take part in annual reenactments several times a year with civilian (non military) activities for kids and family aswell
Who knew Washington crossed the Delaware in a blizzard?! So inspiring how those ragged rebels pulled off a surprise attack. Never underestimate the underdog! Never heard of mercenaries getting surprised like that before. Hilarious mishaps mixed with strategic brilliance - gotta love it.
Minor quibble. Coney Island didn't have its present shape in 1776. Coney Island was an actual Island, lying to the western edge and separated from the other spits of land that make up the present day "island" and these spits of land were also separated from Gravesend by a variety of creeks and streams that shifted with the sands based on the weather and season.
im not gonna lie, from my limited understanding of the ground battles in the revolutionary war i thought the continentals would lose pretty much all of their engagements. it makes me glad to see that they were quite a resciliant force
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love your vidios they the best!!!!!!
this is awesome I remember on one of your last videos about the war I suggested you guys should Make a video about Trenton considering it was the turning point of the war..thanks 👍🏽 Trenton's my hometown and the barracks that the Americans took is still there today as a kid we would take trips over there all the time, they would do reenactments an all ! its right In downtown Trenton and so is a building that was turned into a bank but it was a temporary White House at that time of the war
Another amazing series I didn't expect. Thanks again, guys. 👍♥
OMG Washington turned the fortune of war in 10 days and Slovenian army defeated the Yugoslav army in 10 days.
You don't start talking about the Battle of Trenton until 20 minutes in...🧐
The Writer Here: For those looking for recommended reading, David McCullough's _1776_ is the most convenient source for all the events in this video. It's reasonably comprehensive while being approachable and entertaining.
To preempt expected questions, here are some stories that didn't make it into the final video for reasons of time and/or narrative flow:
1. Henry Knox had no military experience prior to being sent to retrieve the cannons and didn't receive his commission as a colonel until he returned. Using 42 sleds and 80 yoke of oxen, he hauled 60 tons of cannon through over two feet of snow, insufficiently frozen rivers (requiring them to fish a number of cannons out of the water), and several mountain chains. He also had to change hauling teams as the original group didn't want to leave New York. He did it all in 10-weeks and spent just over half his allotted funds.
2. Using foreign troops was something you did to a conquered people, not to your own. Thus, hiring the Hessians was the final breaking point for many Americans.
3. Jefferson *hated* the final version of the Declaration, considering it horrifically mangled and ruined by the editors, though he kept his resentment private. He made copies of his original work and showed them to everyone he could for the rest of his life.
4. In addition to making Jefferson's overly purple prose more approachable to the masses, Congress took out any reference to slavery. This was partially to avoid offending the Carolina's and Georgia, and partially because Jefferson accused King George of forcing slavery on the colonies, which wasn't true.
5. The reason that Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4th rather than the 2nd is because while Congress voted for independence on the 2nd, they didn't tell anyone or send it to the printers until the 4th due to concerns about spelling mistakes and a desire to tighten some of the wording. The wider public didn't know about the original vote and so celebrated The Glorious 4th instead. John Adams deeply and publicly resented this for the rest of his life and unsuccessfully tried to get Independence Day changed to the 2nd.
6. Washington was authorized by Congress to recruit 28,501 soldiers, but only had about 19,000 at the start of the New York Campaign.
7. The 1776 attempt on Charlestown was very poorly planned and executed operation and defeated as much by tides and terrain as the militia that opposed them at the Battle of Sullivan's Island.
8. Richard Howe and Benjamin Franklin had known each other and been corresponding since the French and Indian War. Richard hoped that after Washington turned them down Franklin would be more receptive. He gave them the same answer as Washington.
9. The stand by the 1st Maryland and similar actions by other Maryland infantry regiments led Washington to call them his Old Line. It's where the state nickname comes from.
10. Glover's regiment was chosen to row the Continental Army from Brooklyn to Manhattan and again across the Delaware because it was made entirely of sailors and fishermen from the Cape Cod region.
11. Yes, the John Sullivan who commanded at Trenton was the same one captured in Brooklyn. There was an active prisoner exchange of officers throughout the war and Sullivan was exchanged for a colonel captured during the Canadian campaign. Alexander was in the same boat.
12. On that note, Charles Lee was captured in New Jersey riding ahead of his men and wouldn't be exchanged until the next year. He probably gave information to the British to receive better treatment while in captivity.
13. There's no evidence of any drinking in Trenton prior to the attack. It was reasonable for Washington to think that there would be, as English, German, and American Christmas celebrations were paper-thin excuses to get absolutely smashed. By 18th century drunkenness standards, which are much higher than today's.
14. Legend says that Col. Rall had a letter from a loyalist detailing Washington's exact battle plan, down to the precise time of the attack, unopened and in his pocket when he died. There's reason to think it's a myth from the 19th century, though Rall was being careless enough for it plausible.
I really really really appreciate that. I'm an avid reader so this is a big 🎉 for my brain. Definitely gonna pick it up. Any recommendations for writings that give insight into adv soldier life?
All of David McCullough’s books are excellent. John Adams, Truman, The Great Bridge, The Path Between the Seas, 1776. They are all great books.
@@BinaryzeroNYC There are a number of soldier diaries out there, but I can't remember any of their names.
Yeah, 1776 is a good book; have a copy on the nightstand right there.
Both Jefferson and Adams went on to die on a 4th of July. That was also the anniversary of Washington surrendering at Fort Necessity during the Indian and French wars.
“Those who have committed no fault want no pardon.”
LMAOOOO hard asf
As a Jersey local, it's rather cool knowing those roads that cross Morristown are still basically there
The barracks Washington took is still there in downtown Trenton, they do reenactments for school trips n ext Trenton was also the capital of the United States so the old building that was used as the White House is still there it's been turned into several banks since then
I live in Elizabeth, so it is cool to see it on these videos!
I used to be stationed at McGuire AFB and hung around many of the towns on the map.
The Battle of Springfield! The British came over from Staten Island through Elizabeth to go up Galloping Hill Rd to eventually reach Morris Ave. When the British turned off Westfield Avenue to head north they were fired on by 16 year old boys from Roselle. The boys grabbed their muskets and fired against the British who retreated for the first day. On the next day, the British got to Conncticut Farms Church. Patriots in the church used hymnals as wadding to fire at the British. Some British soldier fired into the parsonage house and killed the pastor's wife Hannah Caldwell. It is not good to shot a pastor's wife while she is at home. The sentiment of the people in NJ was outrage. Many Torreys became Patriots. This really turned the war in Washington's favor.
I'm not from there but I was stationed in NJ during the Bicentennial years ('76 - '81). I didn't know that much about the local history and Internet access was notoriously spotty back then 😆 so it wasn't nearly as easy as now to research things and keep up on scheduled events, living histories, battle recreations, whatever. I missed out on a lot of stuff that I now wish I had known about and gone to see. I did go to the colonial area of Philly many times in those years and a few times since. One of those visits to Philly and taking all of the NPS tours and etc was with a friend of mine who was visiting from England, which made it even more interesting seeing it from her POV. Such an amazing area for history buffs.
I honestly just want you guys to focus on this series…my favorite.
Me too
Don't get me wrong, they're doing a good job with this one, but I'd hate for them to focus on this only to the detriment of everything else.
I just want more of everything.
Same
As a rebellious British colonist myself, this video really inspires me
As a Hessian, this video really depresses me.
Taxation without representation!
@@carter2671Many Hessians ran away during the course of the war. They either joined German communities or hid in the mountains between NJ and NY. They hid away, living off the land, in ramshackle homes, marrying Delaware or ??, and stayed out of mainstream society for 150 years.
@@carter2671 Hopefully you can one day be a Hessian without depression 😄
Really great episode. The revolution has never really been that interesting to me on account of how overtaught it is in schools. But this really helps put a lot of that old school work into a better context to appreciate the ebb and flow of the war.
In particular, Washington's taking of Boston and his ability to keep the army together are impressive accomplishments. A lot of other leaders probably would've gotten the continental army crushed at New York.
For those who have never seen it, I recommend the movie "The Crossing" with Jeff Daniels, great movie. People dont realize just how on the ropes Washington and the CA was before this battle.
When Sir Charles Lee abandoned his position at Monmouth without permission George was furious. Onlookers said his voice could've shaken trees he was so mad. Washington was known for composure and he lost it all then, he was red in the face screaming at Lee for his actions. Lee mouthed back as the story goes and it caused his court martial. No surprise because Lee basically from the start of the war believed he could lead the Army better than George.
Such a fantastic watch. Couldn't help but think of it while watching this.
I love that film! Daniels is probably my favorite screen Washington, and Sebastian Roche as John Glover is just a delight. Roche also played Lafayette in PBS’s miniseries “Liberty!!”
@@Hillbilly001 In researching my family tree, I discovered my 6th great grandfather George Pepperrell Frost, who fought in the war. I found a letter online that his great-great-grandson wrote about his grandmother’s memories of her grandfather’s stories of the war. In it, she said that Frost remembered that, during the winter at Valley Forge, he either saw himself and/or heard stories from other soldiers of Washington cussing up a storm when supplies weren’t forthcoming, and personally saw the general retreat to the woods for a walk or horse ride when the stress was getting high.
Yes! more American Independence War videos! I'm loving this series.
11:15 Go to Bowling Green Park in downtown New York. It's surrounded by a 300+ year old iron fence. At the top of each main post you can see the jagged iron where the bronze crowns were ripped off following the reading the the declaration. It's right there, in public for all to see. It's amazing. Scars from the revolution still there after almost 250 years.
This series has been incredible so far. As an American and long-time fan of this channel, it’s very exciting to see this series unfold. Thank you for like the millionth time K&G!
I'm so excited that you've done a video on the Battle of Trenton and the Washington crossing and Delaware. As someone who grew up in Trenton and Morrisville on the opposite side of the river, I'm super big history buff on this topic and I studied it all my childhood and young adulthood and I'm still interested in it today, 30 years later. Can't wait to watch this video tuning in right now!
Excellent video! I love that you included the bits about the Turtle, the British ships captured during and after the siege of Boston, the failed attack of Charleston, and others. Most documentaries don't mention any of this stuff at all, and when they do bother, it's usually out of context. Kudos!
"History began on July 4th, 1776, everything before was a mistake."
-Ron Swanson (Parks and Rec show)
😂
My 6th great-grandfather George Pepperrell Frost fought in this battle, and then at Princeton a week later. Discovering his service while doing my family research has been a big thrill!
Christian Mueller, my ancestor, was captured at Trenton. Maybe they met!
I salute him for his service.
I'm a Member for just two day!! And I'm loving the videos!!
Thank you so much for this. It's so weird looking at this forested map of Brooklyn, with a little town roughly where each neighborhood is today. I mean, I know it was like this at the time, but it's such a contrast to growing up here today that it's really hard to imagine. I grew up about three blocks up the hill from the Old Stone House where the 1st Maryland made that stand to cover Washington's retreat, and I love finding plaques scattered around Brooklyn marking where various events in this part of the war took place.
Can you imagine what would have happened if the British had not crushed this rebellion and re-integrated the colonies into the Empire? Imagine how crazy it would have been crazy if these 'Americans' had actually won...
“I wish I had healthcare.” -Americans, if they’d won
@Smethells2023 "I wish we had a military" - The British with free healthcare, an inadequate number of ships, planes, tanks, and recruits to crew them.
Bro video is 5 minutes old how is your comment 4 days old
Bro video is 5 minutes old how is your comment 4 days old
@@Smethells2023Oi mate you got a loicense for that joke?
Thank you so much for making this video. I cant wait to become a member. Im glad youre covering the american revolution
I was pretty psyched up when I seen this video made Trenton is my hometown and this battle was the "turning point" of the war and I barley see any videos about it
@@bravocarlos1752 i know right id love to visit there one day just to see the terrain. Im from UK so I just im from the opposing side haha
@@WizrdBoy The barracks that Washington took are still there of course it's a tourist area The barracks have been kept up pretty good in original condition pretty much The only thing that's still the same around it is they kept the brick road that leads into it ( the side street ) and it's not far from the river at all maybe a football field away. it's a highway and then the river . The barracks are down a hill because from there and up all the streets and the buildings are built on top of a hill and at the top of that is the D&r canal ..and assunpink Creek is to the south of downtown..right down the street from the barracks is what's now a big ass bank but that bank was the White House , Trenton was made the capital of the U.S for a little bit of time during the war after the battle at the creek ..just look up on google Trenton NJ barracks to see what it looks like
@@bravocarlos1752 ah thanks I had no idea it was briefly the capital thas awesome
My favorite series rn amazing work
My ancestor is one of these hessian soliders. I live in America thanks to him as he said F the crown and switched sides.
I have ancestors on both sides of this war. My family has been in America since the 1600s, but I also have an ancestor who was one of the Hessian mercenaries. Like thousands of his comrades, he was captured by the Americans, then deserted and refused to go back to Europe after the war.
What an absolutely brutal nightmare of a conflict this was for everyone involved. I recommend the book “Liberty’s Exiles” for an in-depth look at the savagery of what was, essentially, America’s first Civil War.
People who think that we need another civil war have no idea. We are still getting over the last one. The echoes remain.
Interesting, mine was captured, escaped from Carlisle, and settled near Bedford, PA.
@@markmiller1752 My ancestor is also buried in PA, though I can’t remember where.
Hope the Alghorithm treats you as well as you treat us with these great videos!
I just love the way you guys present stuff. Clear, concise and entertaining. 😎
Love this series! It's always great to see more revolutionary war content, especially when it's done by you guys!
The British tendency to reuse names makes all of this confusing, funny, or both. You have George Washington encamped at Cambridge, and yet thousands of miles away from London, and you have British troops leaving the Caribbean so they can march through a place called Jamaica Pass.
The writer here: The shared surnames are worse. There are a dozen Lees and Clintons on both sides of this conflict. It's impossible to keep them all straight without org charts.
I love this series ! The break down of how battles happened is really cool
@kingsandgenerals great video per usual. couple things ambiguous here that I believe are well documented enough now:
1- the reason why the Hessians had trouble firing was wet conditions resulting in issues with the pans/gun powder in general
2-expanding on #1, the artillery of the Americans were less susceptible to the elements are were likely the single most important part of this battle. The Americans had trouble with their muskets firing as well, until they were able to take some of the buildings and dry out their powder and pans indoors before continuing.
3-Rall and his troops were not hungover, and Washington did not expect them to be. Rather, he had hoped to catch them early with overwhelming force from multiple directions. As was aptly covered in this video, most of these goals were not met.
This is information I have collected over several years during "Patriots Week" lectures, events, etc in Trenton and the surrounding area. Each year from ~Dec 23rd to Jan 3rd Washington Crossing, PA down to Trenton, NJ and east to Princeton, NJ hosts "Patriot Week" where e historians, authors & reenactors host a variety of gatherings that are really educational and fun! Would recommend to anyone that finds an opportunity to attend
EXCELLENT AS ALWAYS
Thanks!
this is very, very well done. great illustration.
I remember hearing and reading about all these events in school as a part of the mandated history curriculum. I always thought it was boring.
Thank you for bringing this back to life in a way that both makes it exciting, but also in a way that stokes my anticipation for the next episode.
I very much enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up
I’m From North Jersey and I’m not too far from Washington headquarters and where the winter mutiny happened. Sometimes I have to pass Federal Hill and I cannot imagine how much history there is all around this place I think it’s great.
Can't wait for this series I live in Nj we are very proud of our revolution battles and everything
Thoroughly enjoyed the production and graphics. Got a chuckle in seeing Round Valley, Spruce Run and Merrill Creek reservoirs on the colonial map.
I feel like we all knew a team of eeveloutions was questionable but that back and forth was amazing and very fun to watch , your awsome Liam
The First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, the last remaining mounted American Army unit still in continual service since these battles, was Washington's forward scouts during Trenton and Princeton. The unit still exists within the 1-104th CAV regiment, A Troop in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. They still elect their own members, forfeit their own pay, and ride horses.
Just the other day I scrolled waaay down to see if you guys already did this but you didn't this is a happy surprise .
As A Boston Native. I can't wait for this series to complete. Good job
Time stamp 7:06 to 7:22, thanks for covering this early form of Continental Privateering. Privateering was a key logistics component of the War of Independence, sadly little documented. But a great read covering it's aspects is Eric Jay Dolin's REBELS AT SEA. A great adjunct to it, is the trade paper booklet PIRATES & PATRIOTS OF THE REVOLUTION by Doctor C. Wilbur.. I highly recommend them both!
There were some really good documentaries growing up on the American revolution I enjoyed. But these go into a lot more detail on individual battles rather than just the overall info which I really love.
Europeans:"Noooooo your can't attack us during christmas in the winter! That's ungentlemenly!"
Americans:"Weeeeee bayonet go stabby stabby!"
Thanks for the good video & information
Great video!
thank you!!! cryin😢🎉🎉
Awesome! I had no idea how complex the Battle of Trenton was. Damn, Washington was a clever fellow! :-) 💥🦅🥁
you can say a lot of things about him but man did he know how to retreat. His greatest achievement was keeping an army in the field through the revolution long enough to achieve victory. He was not the greatest general but to take a bunch of competing element united them and holding them together while preventing the brittish from surrounding him has to put him as one of the greats to lead an army.
They have a lovely little Christmas Crossing ceremony highly recommend if you're in Bucks for the holidays
I am from a small town in Maryland where some of the members of 1st Maryland were from. The namesake of our county was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but as I understand there was a substantial loyalist contingent in the area as well.
As a NJ native, it's great to see that the most important and pivotal battles in the American Revolution took place in Jersey.
Super lecture👍👍👍
Love this series. Also would like to see more progress on the War of The Spanish Succession. There is only one other youtube channel (I won't mention their name) that goes into detail on the Spanish Succession and the narration is horrible. Kings & Generals knows how to get it done. Please do it. Thanks.
Edit: Just realized the Spanish Succession is members-only. My bad. Whatever. Just do it lol.
True story.While the Hessians were in Trenton,and before the River froze over, our Schlagel Father (at that time), rowed across to the Hessian camp,and spoke to them in German.He asked them,"why are you fighting us,?,...we are mostly Germans like yourselves." He then said,"if any man here wants to lay down his arms,I'll give you one of my daughters to marry,and some land to live on". 2 men, one named Johann Schwalm, got into the boat with him and rowed back to Bucks County, Pa. Johann is buried on the Schlagel farm,and I was told this story by my late Aunt Marie. That's one you won't see in them history books!
Never have i felt more patriotic and proud to be an American watching a K&G video than right now and my family didn't even move here until 1959 and 1962! DOWN WITH THE BRITISH!!!!
My very great grandfather took part in the Battle of Trenton though it was on the side of the Hessian's. He had been impressed into the Hessian army and sent to the colonies so he was part of the Hessian force at Trenton and was captured as the result of the battle. Now later given the chance to return back home or stay he choose to stay and settle near what is now Saratoga Springs. There he met a Dutch lady and they got married and started a family. Oh his wife was once a captive of the French & Indian Wars when she and her older sister were taken captive in a raid and the rest of her family were killed by the Indians.
Very well done.
Probably because of the need to summarize to shorten the lenght of the series, but this video feels like is rushing a little bit through the events. Not at all an expert on these events but the siege of Boston and the defence of New York could very well be enough for one video, with the continental army crisys and Trenton counterattack being a separate one.
There are a few off map events mentioned without brief explanation, for example an attempt on Charleston I had to google.
Finally casualty estimates for all the battles except Trenton are missing.
Love the topic (lack knowledge about it) and like the overall impostation of the series however, keep it coming!
Some events will get expanded coverage in the long form video. Thanks for the feedback
I love to see a In depth look at the campaigns In georgia during the later years of the war. Some good history there
Is that FFXIV music in the background, or am I just imagining things?
Also another great video as always.
Incredible history!
Native Trentonian, born and bred. The city has gone through some VERY hard times, but we are proud of our contribution to the nation. We have a long history of being an underrated piece of American history, intellectualism, and industry, but we know the truth: TRENTON MAKES, THE WORLD TAKES
Nice summary of events that are often overly mythologized.
Thank you for the American Revolutionary War videos; really enjoying seeing the event playing out from the bird's eye view...
(Now, if there's ANY CHANCE the "Battle" of Penobscot Bay can happen - most likely as part of a larger video - that would be amazing.
The Writer Here: Sorry to disappoint, but that embarrassing debacle like most of the Continental Navy's actions will be skimmed over due to time constraints and their lack of impact on the overall war. It's a good story, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't impactful enough to go into detail.
@@TheReaperEagle Oh, I know; just one of the Local Historical events for the fam... and Revere getting a little shade doesn't hurt either
Though nevertheless this will be another great video from my favourite channel on TH-cam
How did I miss this yesterday smh..
It was up for a week for the patrons/TH-cam members. Check out the schedule post :-)
@KingsandGenerals Oh, alright, I guess I missed it! I'll be sure to check the schedule more often so I don't miss a video.
Trenton was once the capital of the United States and the battle was the true turning point of the revolutionary war. Born and raised in Trenton, I've noticed the historical significance in this capital city. ✅
👍🏽💪🏽 yes sir A lot of people don't even know that !That bank that's downtown I think it's a wachovia Bank still maybe but that was the White House at the time The one across from the Old commerce Bank I think it's investors now.. That's my hometown as well so I was psyched up when I saw this video😂
Please make a series on mughal empire and Silesian wars
Battle of Trenton. Underrated!
Washington crossing the Deleware river is a goated image.
Fun Fact: One of the men wounded at the Battle of Trenton was James Monroe. He had been hit by a musket ball and was in grave danger of dying. But thankfully a Patriot Doctor was able to save the poor man's life and of course he would go on to be the 5th President of the United States.
I had high hopes for this series, but I’m starting to have my doubts. The events between the Battle of Bunker Hill and Trenton all deserve their own videos so they can be covered in greater detail: the failed invasion of Canada, the culmination of the Siege of Boston, the political maneuvering that led to the Declaration, and the disastrous Long Island campaign. This approach, just like your approach to the War of the Ring in the first three videos on the subject over at Wizards and Warriors, is too broad.
I agree , they should have their own separate videos but I am glad they made this video though ! The battle of Trenton doesn't get the coverage it deserves! it was literally "the turning point" of the war .. plus Trenton is my hometown so I'm a little bit biased 😂😂 I wanted Trenton to have their own video
I know a lot can be said about the old fighting style of marching in columns. But I can only imagine the terror of having a somewhat fortified position and seeing red uniforms marching towards your position from three different angles.
RIP
To the two US troops (who died from exposure) and 22 Hessian troops who were killed in the Battle of Trenton
I really liked how you showed the turtle underwater and hopefully if you do the American civil war hopefully you do the same for the confederate submarine H L Hunley.
Washington is fascinating for so much more than just being a president.
great piece, but why call timing - o'hundred?
It's interesting to look at this from the lense of militia groups in the current day.
Battle of Trenton was so huge for the little rebellion, yet from the perspective of the 20-30k British soldiers it was peanuts.
Only a handful of casualties and less than 1000 combined soldiers involved- it seems almost trivial
How long has these revolutionary war videos been going on? I mad I missed them
I think this is the second one, so you haven't missed much. They're taking them at a fast pace.
I like the miniature war game based on Trenton that little wars Tv did. Basically everything went wrong for the rebels.
The city of Boston before being back filled to create more land area was on the Shawmut Peninsula. In a way it still exists as a point or peninsula.
March 17th is celebrated as Evacuation Day only in Boston, coincidentally the same day as St Patrick's Day.
This should have been a Christmas episode
Can you do a series on the French and Indian wars, please?
Turn it up loud, the background music is grand. Lemme grab the Bass.
Combining Kings, Generals, and Fender.
Read the books by Nathaniel Philbrick for the full thrilling story of the American war of Independence.
Great Video Series as always!
The battles of Long island and Fort Washington could have an entire episode on their own
If your living on the Mid-Atlantic and your a man of good education and sound posture you can join a regiment like ours by googling muskets of the crown (moc) and take part in annual reenactments several times a year with civilian (non military) activities for kids and family aswell
when are your pacific war videos coming back
17:57 This looks like something Dr. Eggman's great great great great great grandfather would make.
Who knew Washington crossed the Delaware in a blizzard?! So inspiring how those ragged rebels pulled off a surprise attack. Never underestimate the underdog! Never heard of mercenaries getting surprised like that before. Hilarious mishaps mixed with strategic brilliance - gotta love it.
Can I get the source of the entire Hessian formations muskets failing to fire? 23:00
That has to be sabotage of some kind.
You made an error at the end of the video. Central Jersey doesn't exist.
Watch the movie "The Crossing" it is an excellent portrayal of this battle. One of my favorites besides The Patriot.
"Greed is but a word jealous men use to inflict upon the ambitious" - MC
Very nice excep all your clouds are going in the wrong directions. They should be going west to East predominately
I love your videos, have been watching you for a long time. I also make history videos.
Minor quibble. Coney Island didn't have its present shape in 1776. Coney Island was an actual Island, lying to the western edge and separated from the other spits of land that make up the present day "island" and these spits of land were also separated from Gravesend by a variety of creeks and streams that shifted with the sands based on the weather and season.
You need to put all of your series in separate play lists so that it is easier to find, please.
It is in a playlist
Nice
im not gonna lie, from my limited understanding of the ground battles in the revolutionary war i thought the continentals would lose pretty much all of their engagements. it makes me glad to see that they were quite a resciliant force