“Instead of being the last charge of a dying rebellion” sheds light on the gravity and utter will that these men braved in their crossing and march on Trenton, to face a small but formidable force composed of the most feared soldiers on Earth. Freezing and demoralized, knowing this will most likely be their final march, pushed onward.
Was Washington a brilliant tactical commander? Certainly not (although he did have his moments like in these battles). However he was 100% the right man for the job. He had a very deep understanding of the strategic importance of keeping the Continental Army intact and in the fight despite losses on the battlefield as well as the grace to understand that the military power he was given was a privilege and to only wield it for the American cause of liberty. There were few if any other men who could have led America through the revolution successfully like he did.
@@twinzzlers He was an extremely smart man. He was an average tactical commander but that doesn't take away from his greatness. As a strategic commander he was perfect for the scrappy Continental Army.
@@cattledog901I agree. What makes Washington's greatness was not what he did on the battlefield, but what he did off it. His practice of the Fabian strategy, showed he was strategically smart. But like Cincinnatus, his willingness to give up power, is what truly makes him great.
Washington was very very fortunate in many situations. But you really have to look at the motives of a man. All of them really. Because as we all really know deep down in are souls. It weren’t for any sort of fucking liberty
learning about Washington is like riding a roller coaster. as first your like "this could be fun" then "oh no please stop" but by the end your fully into it "lets go Washington"
I’ve been fascinated by the Revolutionary War ever since I was little. What I didn’t know, until I started working on my family tree a few years ago, was that I have a 6th great-grandfather who fought in it! George Pepperrell Frost enlisted in the New Hampshire regiment a day after Bunker Hill, and then participated in the siege of Boston, the tail end of the Quebec campaign, both Trenton and Princeton, both battles of Saratoga, endured the winter at Valley Forge, then ended his major engagements with Monmouth Courthouse. He mustered out in 1782. (Luckily for my research he listed all of his service record in a letter he wrote for his pension in the early 1800s.)
@@HistoryRebels George’s brother William also served. His company ended up at West Point in 1779, where William was barracks master. I have been trying to figure out the timing of when exactly they were there. I think that his company might have been one of those who were deliberately repositioned away from the fort by the new commander there, Benedict Arnold, in preparation for his handing the fort over to the British. Have a happy holiday as well!
@@kathyastrom1315do you about battle of Cowpens SC 1780? William Washington lead the counter attack against Tarleton, battlefield duel, mano e mano, great story.
I will always be impressed by this campaign, as Washington pulled off what even Frederick II "The Great" Hohenzollern dubbed "the greatest achievement in the military annals." I wholeheartedly agree with that assessment, as it, comparative to Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck's masterful African campaign of World War I, was the use of maneuver by a numerically inferior army against a numerically superior and resource rich force against its small outposts.
I will never walk on Mercer Street again and not remember this video! Well done!! The entire Greenwich Village is named after Revolutionary War generals or other types of heroes and I'd say 99% of New Yorkers have no idea!
Great video glad to see you guys back! Also fun fact was that future president James Monroe was at the battle of Trenton as a lieutenant but he very well could have been one of the few American deaths as he was wounded greatly by a musket shot to his shoulder that severed a artery luckily for him a doctor saved his life and unknowingly saved a future president. Also general Hugh Mercer was a truly interesting person who had been a surgeon in the Jacobite uprising before fleeing to America sadly his life ended brutally but his sacrifice wasn’t in vain
Hamilton was there as well. We do not make enough of how Hamilton and Monroe not only show up here together, but also at Yorktown, and also in writing the Federalist Papers - two YOUNG but SMART leaders FROM OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE FUTURE POLITICAL SPECTRUM - who worked together repeatedly to make America happen.
Man i have been waiting for channels of the same caliber of epic history tv to cover the American Revolution. Reminds me of the old history channel shows. Great job!
Excellent battlefield analysis using stats and graphs with quick explanations allows you cover a lot of material efficiently about the most unlikely miracle of America 🇺🇸 where we live free or Die.
I was born in Trenton and grew up in the shadow of the Battle Monument. My love of learning about the War began early because I went to school where much of the Battle took place. I walked by Revolutionary War sites everyday and used to walk up Warren Street on my way home from school and sit on the step of the Battle Monument and try to imagine Knox and Hamilton setting up their cannons. This was a long time ago but I'm still a history nerd.
Of all the online briefs on this critical timeline period, yours is by far the best. The mix of important verbal historical road to war points, along with the graphic display of schemes of manuaver make it a Five Star level brief!!!. BRAVO ZULU!!!...
I’ve been to the Princeton Battlefield many times. There used to be a monument in front of the Clarke House located on the battlefield that explained the battle. I was impressed by the serendipity of it all. It’s a miracle we’re all here.
I participate in the Princeton reenactment every year, going there again in a week. Fantastic videos, I like to do some research on the battles I reenact before I go, and these have definitely been a great reference!
The turning point... The aftermath was hugely telling...it was clear that the British army could not garrison and protect loyalists, and so even New Jersey could not be gained by victories even on the scale of the New York campaign of 1776. This realization would heavily impact the strategy of both sides in the common years. The British would cast about for some way of defeating the rebels in specific regions, rather than globally.... ...and Washington would turn to the Fabian strategies he did not initially wish to pursue...seeing how effective they had been at restoring most of New Jersey.
❤from Taipei. If only Swedish King Charles knew. But he the king, could not sympathize the Herculean task of forming a new nation under Liberty, as George knew and saved his fellow countryman's lives!
I cannot express how much I love this series! I am american but have never found a series on youtube about the revolution as engaging and detailed as this!
On a bleak day in January comments like this really help to motivate me to keep going, so thank you! Really glad you’re enjoying the series - Saratoga development is in full swing!
I’m so glad to find these, I’ve been searching for an American history channel like this and oh boi was I not disappointed. Definitely going to apply to the Patron to give my full support!
One of my grandfather, Seth Hoyt, crossed the Delaware River with Washington and fought at Trenton. He was one of the volunteers that fought at Princeton as well. Earlier in the war he was one of the soldiers that followed "then loyal" Benedict Arnold through the Maine wilderness and attacked Quebec only to get their azzes kicked. He survived the war.
Hope you'll cover the Philadelphia campaign in detail, selfishly as I live here. Fort Mifflin Brandywine and Germantown are almost unknown for how enormously important they were
I always see The First and Second Battles of Trenton and Princeton as the most important battles of the War. I know about all the others, Ticonderoga, Saratoga, Cowpens, Yorktown and the others and take no glory from them. But without the victory at Trenton, then Princeton when the Americans were in the words of Thomas Paine, in the midst of "the times that try men's souls" there would have been no more battles or victories. Thank you for this excellent re-telling. Washington was right, generations yet unborn thank them yet we owe those patriots a thanks we can never repay.
Absolutely brilliant work. I get legitimately excited when I see that you've posted again. Washington is a problematic favorite of mine. My big gift to myself this year is a fig tree. May we all have a vine & fig tree to rest beneath. Be well.
Thank you for this series. The graphics and narration are superb, and the thoroughness of your research and love of your subject shine through. I'm a long-time student of the American Revolution, and yours is the best telling of it I've seen. Keep up your great work!
My 6x great grandfather, Corporal David Baker and his brother, my 6x great grand uncle, Private Richard Baker, were soldiers in the Virginia Line of the Continental Army. They took part marching on Christmas Day 1776. My 6x great grand uncle was one of the two non-combat deaths that froze to death. My 6x great grandfather took part capturing Trenton. He died in 1838 at 86 years old.
Glad to see another episode! Didn't know that about the British generals. Thanks for expanding my knowledge. And thanks again for looking at this from both sides. Can't wait for the next one!
Your videos are great I keep coming back to see if there's anything new. One tip I saw was creators switching thumbnails around and it gives it another chance in the algorithm kind of like a marketing ad you just try 5-10 different ones and narrow them down to which one works the best or find out why it worked better I would love to see you get the support you deserve
Thank you! The next video should be out in 2-3 weeks - it's 30+ minutes so its taking a while to finish. And thanks for the tip, I'll give that a go! I really hope I can get the videos doing better in the algorithm soon
Hispanics also fought in the American Revolution under Spanish General Bernardo de Gálvez! Beautiful American history often overlooked! Spain paid for the Yorktown campaign paying both the French and Continental soldiers who hadn't been paid for several months and years causing several mutinees and also paid and refurbished Degrasse's French fleet allowing Degrasse to travel to both the Chesapeake and later Yorktown which Spain also had a huge role in the military planning which is why the Spanish Ambassador was invited to the Yorktown victory celebration in October of last year 2023! Spain protected French possessions in the Caribbean allowing Degrasse to travel to his destination freely without worry and it was Spanish General Bernardo de Gálvez who was kind and generous enough to release his own French troops under Spanish command and ALLOWED Degrasse to take them to go reinforce Rochambeau at Yorktown! Bernie didn't have to do that but he was very generous! Spain also sent muskets to Saratoga in coordination with the French in 1777! In fact, one link suggests that ALL weapons at Saratoga were Spanish supplied only by Spain! The very first foreign weapons to arrive even before the American Revolution began were from Spain! Diego de Gardoqui sent 300 Spanish muskets and 600 Spanish pistols to Marblehead Massachusetts in February 1775! Spanish aid or Spanish trade was first before Lexington and Concord before the Declaration of Independence and before America's so called first and oldest ally France! Spain was just as significant as France if not more so and I would argue more so! Without Spain's decisive involvement both France and the American Colonies could never have won the American Revolution! Not without Spain!
When I was younger, I was under the impression that Washington was a bad general and that remains a popularly echoed sentiment nowadays. However, when you actually delve deeper into his campaigns, the man was fairly good. This campaign demonstrated boldness, surprise, proper usage of defeat in detail, and a cunning manoeuvre to the rear which saw Cornwallis' communications cut when Washington marched on Princeton. Though, I wonder how many Loyalists were guarding the depot at New Brunswick? The distance should be enough that Washington's army might have been able to make it there in a day or two days' march at most. I think a swift victory there, followed by the seizing of provisions for his men might have definitely been possible before Cornwallis came up. It would have been a good boon to the Revolutionaries and allow them to resupply, while depriving the Loyalists in the harsh winter months.
He was also very lucky. If the British actually took it seriously and treated it like a proper war. He would have been dead before Howe set foot in the colonies
The thing is he was competent. Nobody every said he was a bad general, just that he was not great (his greatness was in keeping the army together). Any other competent general would have been able to achieve the same tactically as Washington did.
@@RoadmanRob8 Hmm. I would disagree. The British did treat it like a proper war, but they also had many disadvantages which prevented them from winning it. One of which is their impossibly long communications stretching across the Atlantic, making the transportation of men and supplies difficult. The Revolutionaries didn't have proper logistical infrastructure and organization, but the armies were usually so small that it shouldn't have posed an overwhelming logistical problem, especially operating in their own backyard. Another thing is that British land commanders were, typically, rather lackluster when compared to other major European states prior to the 20th century. This is especially notable with the individual in charge of overall British operations in the theater of war, Viscount Sackville, who was an utter incompetent and was the individual who threw away a decisive victory at Minden by refusing to charge home. Marlborough and Wellington stand out in particular because they are extraordinarily rare. The British have always been historically better in the realm of naval warfare than on land. In contrast, I can name you a bunch of very good French and Austrian field commanders.
@@doritofeesh No they category did not. Hence it was called a rebellion here. It was treated as if it was a rebellion by the Scot’s or Irish. What was the aims of the British if it was a so called war. For the colonist’s to do as they’re told. Really. Americans do like to exaggerate everything. You want to believe that you beat the whole British army in a full scale war between two armies. Full on war. Nothing like that at all. But that’s Americans believing your own bullshit
Washington fought a brilliant campaign. The only thing that could have made it perfect is if the British had held on to Charles Lee who was a legend in his own mind and a thorn in the side of Washington. Very well done video. Thank you
George Washington wasn't one of the great military minds of the age, but his skills at maneuver warfare are undeniable. Not every commander of this period could move his men around so quickly and in such an orderly fashion.
This is a fantastic video. Thank you. I am trying to learn more about "The First Battle of Springfield" which took place in December, 1776. (Not the later, 1780 battle.) It's been forgotten because of Trenton & Princeton but it marked the first retreat of the British in NJ. This is a description of from a 1923 publication "The History of Westfield" by Charles A. Philhower. Because of the great activity on his rear of the militia under Colonel Ford, southeast of the Watchungs, Cornwallis sent out a company of men from Elizabeth Town to drive them from their supporting position at Short Hills. Somewhere about 1,500 men made up of Waldeckers and General Leslie's brigade moved out to Springfield. Major Spencer, who occupied Springfield, withdrew toward Chatham. Captain Brooklield attacked the right flank on the Vaux Hall road and Captain Seely the left-on the Westfield road. There was a conflict of about an hour, which ceased on both sides because of darkness. The Continentals fell back and the British rested on their arms in Springfield. It was expected that the battle would be renewed in the morning; but to the surprise of Colonel Ford he found that they had folded their tents like the Arabs and had silently stolen away. The advance toward Springfield was apparently from three directions -Vaux Hall, Connecticut Farms and Westfield-in order to rid the terri- tory of all harrassing movements in the rear of the army. The left wing came through Westfield from Rahway and retreated from Springfield by the same route. On the withdrawal from Springfield, Colonel Ford's militia pursued the left wing to our town, but could not overtake it. It is with pride that the people of Westfield now, as then, view this first retreat in our State of the British before the Continental troops through their town. Quoting Colonel Symmes, the statement reads, "This was the first instance in the State of New Jersey when the British troops turned their back and fled from those they called rebels ; and this success, small as the affair was, taught the Jersey militia that the foe-was not invincible" ("New Jersey Journal," No. 4636). The line of retreat was doubtlessly over the Springfield road to what is now Woodland road, thence to Mountain avenue by the.church, through the center of the town, and out by way of Central avenue to Rahway. The militia assembled for the defense of Short Hills was gathered together at Mor- ristown, and on the sad and untimely death of Colonel Ford, Washington sent General Maxwell to take command of them. The success at Springfield and through Westfield was followed De- cember 26 by Washington's'surprise party for the Hessians at Trenton. The sad and gloomy days of the first part of the month were at Christ- mas time turned to gladness ; and the patriots were fired with an indomi- table zeal for victory. Washington's instructions from Trenton to Max- well were, "Collect as large force as possible at Chatham and after gain- ing the proper intelligence endeavour to strike a stroke upon Elizabeth Town or that neighborhood." It is probable that Washington inter- viewed Maxwell in Westfield concerning this matter about the time of the battle of Trenton. Benjamin Downer, in the biography of his father, the Rev. Edwin Downer, says Samuel Downer entertained General Washington there (in the house now occupied by Dr. Frederick Kinch) for a few days at the time of the battle of Trenton. Passing around the enemy at Trenton, Washington captured Princeton, January 3, 1777, and by way of Pluckemin went into winter quarters at Morristown, Janu- ary 6. At this time the enemy was much confused, and Maxwell, following out instructions, had a brush with them at Springfield, compelled Leslie's brigade to evacuate Newark, drove them out of Elizabeth and fought the Waldeckers, January 5, at Spank Town (Rahway). At this last place mentioned about 1,ooo bushels of salt were captured. Amboy aad New Brunswick alone were left in possession of the enemy.- With this suc- cess great relief come to the people of Westfield. The enemy ceased his plundering, and the inhabitants who had taken refuge back of the moun- tains returned to their homes from their six weeks' exile. They found fences broken down, houses plundered, homes destroyed. It is said that the depredations committed by the Hessians and British at this time were "a disgrace to human nature." Captain Eliakim Littell and General William Maxwell, with the State militia, were the war dogs that kept the enemy at bay and protected the lives and property of Westfield in this period of gravest peril. The good work they did is set forth in a statement of Washington, January 20, 1777: "Within a month past, in several engagements with the enemy, we have killed, wounded and taken prisoner between two and three thou- sand men."
It's just crazy to me that I work just ten miles from where he crossed Delaware (near where it says Bordentown) and that at one point, I drive just a mile from the encampment at Valley Forge. Really need to visit sometime. I'm just so happy that my state has such close ties to our nation's founding. Hell, we're only beat by being the first state by five days.
You didn't mention James Monroe being in the battle. On their way from the landing, the Continental Army passed the house of a local doctor. He saw them, and believing his services would soon be needed on the battlefield, went out and followed the army. One soldier on the American side was shot in the chest, the round clipping an artery in his heart, but he was standing almost right beside the doctor, who was able to help him and close the artery immediately. The Soldier was James Monroe, future president of the US. Another thing: the Hessian commander had a report telling him Washington was coming, but he didn't get around to reading it. He put the unopened letter in his pocket because he recieved it while at a party and didn't want to be interrupted.
well done. The one missing factoid - it was Robert Morris - essentially treasurer of the Congress, who gave (lent) Washington his personal cash to pay the one-month enlistment extension bonuses to keep the Continental army in the field. (You do also omit that Washington abandoned Trenton for PA after Christmas but then recrossed river for the rest of the story after he got this money.) Without that cash - provided by ONE patriot - the war would likely have ended right then. Our culture tends to dismiss the role that wealthy patriots played in risking all for success.
Awesome work. But Washington never planned on making his family relocated from Mount Vernon. When you go there you learn all about how his brother and Martha, his slaves and his property were never in danger. There was a code of conduct in the British army and they never even thought to burn or plunder his goods. Matter of fact, the British sent the warship HMS Serabis up the Potomac River and exchanged food and was offered lodging by Washington’s brother. Washington scolded him for this action.
I ate an edible and as I was scrolling I thought this was a hockey video. Because of the thumbnail on the right, I thought it was a net and the circles/players on the ice
Again, very good. Note that there was another reason to have spread out British forces. This was that American roads were poor and few, and drayage hard to come by, while our agriculture somewhat primitive, and the availability of fodder and pasturage quite limited. Thus, the British had to spread out not just to reassure loyalists, but to subsist themselves without over - here's that unfortunate word again - taxing local supplies.
TRUE STORY.Before the Delaware River froze over,a Schlagel relative of my Aunts' rowed across the river from Bucks County, PA.He went to see the Hessians at Trenton. He told them, "why are you fighting us,we are many Germans on the other side". He said, "Any man who comes with me now,I will give you some land,and one of my daughters to marry".2 Hessian soldiers got into the boat.One of them was named Johann Schwalm,and he is buried there on this same farm, still owned by the Schlagel family.
This series is a hidden gem in the massive RUclips Historical genre.
Thank you, I’m really praying we can break through one day!
100%
@@HistoryRebelsjust subscribed
“Instead of being the last charge of a dying rebellion” sheds light on the gravity and utter will that these men braved in their crossing and march on Trenton, to face a small but formidable force composed of the most feared soldiers on Earth. Freezing and demoralized, knowing this will most likely be their final march, pushed onward.
Was Washington a brilliant tactical commander? Certainly not (although he did have his moments like in these battles). However he was 100% the right man for the job. He had a very deep understanding of the strategic importance of keeping the Continental Army intact and in the fight despite losses on the battlefield as well as the grace to understand that the military power he was given was a privilege and to only wield it for the American cause of liberty. There were few if any other men who could have led America through the revolution successfully like he did.
I'd say he was pretty dang smart, though he was definitely the best possible man we could of had.
@@twinzzlers He was an extremely smart man. He was an average tactical commander but that doesn't take away from his greatness. As a strategic commander he was perfect for the scrappy Continental Army.
Not to mention his personal bravery, and leadership skills. A true commander in every sense.
@@cattledog901I agree. What makes Washington's greatness was not what he did on the battlefield, but what he did off it. His practice of the Fabian strategy, showed he was strategically smart. But like Cincinnatus, his willingness to give up power, is what truly makes him great.
Washington was very very fortunate in many situations.
But you really have to look at the motives of a man. All of them really. Because as we all really know deep down in are souls. It weren’t for any sort of fucking liberty
learning about Washington is like riding a roller coaster. as first your like "this could be fun" then "oh no please stop" but by the end your fully into it "lets go Washington"
“This guy is an American hero.”
“This guy is an American Idiot.”
“This guy is an American hero.”
I’ve been fascinated by the Revolutionary War ever since I was little. What I didn’t know, until I started working on my family tree a few years ago, was that I have a 6th great-grandfather who fought in it! George Pepperrell Frost enlisted in the New Hampshire regiment a day after Bunker Hill, and then participated in the siege of Boston, the tail end of the Quebec campaign, both Trenton and Princeton, both battles of Saratoga, endured the winter at Valley Forge, then ended his major engagements with Monmouth Courthouse. He mustered out in 1782. (Luckily for my research he listed all of his service record in a letter he wrote for his pension in the early 1800s.)
What a life that man lived. Incredible. Thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas!
@@HistoryRebels George’s brother William also served. His company ended up at West Point in 1779, where William was barracks master. I have been trying to figure out the timing of when exactly they were there. I think that his company might have been one of those who were deliberately repositioned away from the fort by the new commander there, Benedict Arnold, in preparation for his handing the fort over to the British.
Have a happy holiday as well!
Incredible History
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@@kathyastrom1315do you about battle of Cowpens SC 1780? William Washington lead the counter attack against Tarleton, battlefield duel, mano e mano, great story.
I will always be impressed by this campaign, as Washington pulled off what even Frederick II "The Great" Hohenzollern dubbed "the greatest achievement in the military annals." I wholeheartedly agree with that assessment, as it, comparative to Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck's masterful African campaign of World War I, was the use of maneuver by a numerically inferior army against a numerically superior and resource rich force against its small outposts.
I'd love to see an American Civil War series after this.
There is a channel by Warhawk who covers a lot of the different battles of the Civil War if you are interested
Ken Burns is doing a 6 part documentary on the American Revolution. It is scheduled to come out in 2025. Can't wait!
@@patrickolsThe narration of those videos is terrible. It's janky weird-sounding.
I will never walk on Mercer Street again and not remember this video! Well done!! The entire Greenwich Village is named after Revolutionary War generals or other types of heroes and I'd say 99% of New Yorkers have no idea!
Great video glad to see you guys back! Also fun fact was that future president James Monroe was at the battle of Trenton as a lieutenant but he very well could have been one of the few American deaths as he was wounded greatly by a musket shot to his shoulder that severed a artery luckily for him a doctor saved his life and unknowingly saved a future president. Also general Hugh Mercer was a truly interesting person who had been a surgeon in the Jacobite uprising before fleeing to America sadly his life ended brutally but his sacrifice wasn’t in vain
Thank you! And thanks for sharing, they're both very interesting facts that I didn't know at all
Hamilton was there as well. We do not make enough of how Hamilton and Monroe not only show up here together, but also at Yorktown, and also in writing the Federalist Papers - two YOUNG but SMART leaders FROM OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE FUTURE POLITICAL SPECTRUM - who worked together repeatedly to make America happen.
Awesome work! We hear about Trenton a lot in the U.S, but not as much about Princeton.
I do believe the leader of the forces in Trenton was severely hung over.
I’m so glad you guys finally got a sponsorship!
It massively helps!
Thanks!
Thank you very much Paul - that’s greatly appreciated. More to come in the New Year! Merry Christmas!
Man i have been waiting for channels of the same caliber of epic history tv to cover the American Revolution.
Reminds me of the old history channel shows. Great job!
Excellent battlefield analysis using stats and graphs with quick explanations allows you cover a lot of material efficiently about the most unlikely miracle of America 🇺🇸 where we live free or Die.
I work in Trenton in where the battle was fought
I was born in Trenton and grew up in the shadow of the Battle Monument. My love of learning about the War began early because I went to school where much of the Battle took place. I walked by Revolutionary War sites everyday and used to walk up Warren Street on my way home from school and sit on the step of the Battle Monument and try to imagine Knox and Hamilton setting up their cannons. This was a long time ago but I'm still a history nerd.
Of all the online briefs on this critical timeline period, yours is by far the best. The mix of important verbal historical road to war points, along with the graphic display of schemes of manuaver make it a Five Star level brief!!!. BRAVO ZULU!!!...
Thank you very much!
@@HistoryRebels All the videos in this series are absolutely brilliant! Thank YOU.
I’ve been to the Princeton Battlefield many times. There used to be a monument in front of the Clarke House located on the battlefield that explained the battle. I was impressed by the serendipity of it all. It’s a miracle we’re all here.
I participate in the Princeton reenactment every year, going there again in a week.
Fantastic videos, I like to do some research on the battles I reenact before I go, and these have definitely been a great reference!
The turning point...
The aftermath was hugely telling...it was clear that the British army could not garrison and protect loyalists, and so even New Jersey could not be gained by victories even on the scale of the New York campaign of 1776.
This realization would heavily impact the strategy of both sides in the common years.
The British would cast about for some way of defeating the rebels in specific regions, rather than globally....
...and Washington would turn to the Fabian strategies he did not initially wish to pursue...seeing how effective they had been at restoring most of New Jersey.
Absolutely agree. It’s fascinating how decisively this short campaign changed the trajectory of the war. Merry Christmas!
great video thank you & merry Christmas
Thank you very much Dan. I really appreciate your support. Merry Christmas!
Bloody outstanding!!! Cheers from Tennessee
❤from Taipei. If only Swedish King Charles knew. But he the king, could not sympathize the Herculean task of forming a new nation under Liberty, as George knew and saved his fellow countryman's lives!
man this is amazing ive been waiting for epic history but you are killing the competition keep up the great work man and merry christmas
Thank you, this one took a while so I’m glad you like it. Merry Christmas!
Another excellent episode, and perfectly timed.
Congratulations on the sponsor. It's much deserved.
Thank you very much!
An absolutely amazing series. My current favorite.
I cannot express how much I love this series! I am american but have never found a series on youtube about the revolution as engaging and detailed as this!
On a bleak day in January comments like this really help to motivate me to keep going, so thank you! Really glad you’re enjoying the series - Saratoga development is in full swing!
Thank you for this excellent presentation.
I’m so glad to find these, I’ve been searching for an American history channel like this and oh boi was I not disappointed. Definitely going to apply to the Patron to give my full support!
Thank you Kaiser, I'm glad you've liked them!
One of my grandfather, Seth Hoyt, crossed the Delaware River with Washington and fought at Trenton. He was one of the volunteers that fought at Princeton as well. Earlier in the war he was one of the soldiers that followed "then loyal" Benedict Arnold through the Maine wilderness and attacked Quebec only to get their azzes kicked. He survived the war.
This series reminds me of Epic History’s Napoleon series. Keep you the great work! Can’t wait for the next episode
Hope you'll cover the Philadelphia campaign in detail, selfishly as I live here. Fort Mifflin Brandywine and Germantown are almost unknown for how enormously important they were
This is one of the best History channels on RUclips you guys deserve way more subs. A hidden gem
Merry Christmas 🎄
Thank you for posting & Merry Christmas 🎄
Hope you like it, & Merry Christmas
I wish I had the means to contribute more than likes and comments to this channel. I absolutely love everything about these videos.
I'm really grateful for the comments and likes, they are more than enough. Thank you for the support!
Very clear and well produced video. A pleasure to view!
I love this channel. I wish we would make more of an effort to remember these events at Christmas. That cold was so brutal on our boys
Great video as always, merry christmas!
Excellent series! I look forward to each video!
Quite fantastic videos brother, keep it up!
I always see The First and Second Battles of Trenton and Princeton as the most important battles of the War. I know about all the others, Ticonderoga, Saratoga, Cowpens, Yorktown and the others and take no glory from them. But without the victory at Trenton, then Princeton when the Americans were in the words of Thomas Paine, in the midst of "the times that try men's souls" there would have been no more battles or victories. Thank you for this excellent re-telling. Washington was right, generations yet unborn thank them yet we owe those patriots a thanks we can never repay.
Completely agree, things truly hung on a knife's edge! I highly recommend the book 'Ten Crucial Days' by William Kidder if you're interested :)
Absolutely brilliant work. I get legitimately excited when I see that you've posted again. Washington is a problematic favorite of mine. My big gift to myself this year is a fig tree. May we all have a vine & fig tree to rest beneath. Be well.
Thank you very much - more to come in the New Year! & Merry Christmas
Thank you for this series. The graphics and narration are superb, and the thoroughness of your research and love of your subject shine through. I'm a long-time student of the American Revolution, and yours is the best telling of it I've seen. Keep up your great work!
Thank you very much! That's very kind of you
Another excellent episode! keep it up
Fantastic! Love your channel!
This is the most high quality military history vids I have come across. I look forward to your future videos.
Thank you very much, that's greatly appreciated. The next video on Saratoga will be out soon!
Such an epic series!
My 6x great grandfather, Corporal David Baker and his brother, my 6x great grand uncle, Private Richard Baker, were soldiers in the Virginia Line of the Continental Army. They took part marching on Christmas Day 1776. My 6x great grand uncle was one of the two non-combat deaths that froze to death. My 6x great grandfather took part capturing Trenton. He died in 1838 at 86 years old.
With each video, I like your channel more and more. Merry Christmas!
Thank you! & Merry Christmas!
My favorite channel
Glad to see another episode! Didn't know that about the British generals. Thanks for expanding my knowledge. And thanks again for looking at this from both sides. Can't wait for the next one!
Thank you David! And Merry Christmas!
Finally a new video!
Excellent work friend. Keep up like that 😉👍👌.
Will do, thank you!
@@HistoryRebels Excellent. Are you planning to cover another conflict after the American revolution?
@@jl88570 Definitely, although yet to be decided what, so I'm very open to suggestions!
@@HistoryRebels Excellent. My suggestions:
Great Northern War
Seven years war
Austro Prussian war
(And maybe Greek war of independence).
Nice work ❤
Hooray! Its here!
there are people living in the Trenton area today who claim to be the decedents of the captured Hessians
Love to see it, keep up the great work
Thank you! & Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays to you to
Your videos are great I keep coming back to see if there's anything new. One tip I saw was creators switching thumbnails around and it gives it another chance in the algorithm kind of like a marketing ad you just try 5-10 different ones and narrow them down to which one works the best or find out why it worked better I would love to see you get the support you deserve
Thank you! The next video should be out in 2-3 weeks - it's 30+ minutes so its taking a while to finish. And thanks for the tip, I'll give that a go! I really hope I can get the videos doing better in the algorithm soon
Here before this channel blows up. The hard work is much appreciated!
Thanks Jimmy, I hope so!
Great work!
Thank you very much! I really appreciate the support 💪🏻
Been watching this series since i found out when you made bunker hill, Loving it! Amazing how its the same quality as Epic History, HistoryMarche etc.
One, if not the greatest, winter campaign in history.
calm down
@@greg_4201 Nope, not going to happen bearded lady.
Hispanics also fought in the American Revolution under Spanish General Bernardo de Gálvez! Beautiful American history often overlooked!
Spain paid for the Yorktown campaign paying both the French and Continental soldiers who hadn't been paid for several months and years causing several mutinees and also paid and refurbished Degrasse's French fleet allowing Degrasse to travel to both the Chesapeake and later Yorktown which Spain also had a huge role in the military planning which is why the Spanish Ambassador was invited to the Yorktown victory celebration in October of last year 2023!
Spain protected French possessions in the Caribbean allowing Degrasse to travel to his destination freely without worry and it was Spanish General Bernardo de Gálvez who was kind and generous enough to release his own French troops under Spanish command and ALLOWED Degrasse to take them to go reinforce Rochambeau at Yorktown! Bernie didn't have to do that but he was very generous!
Spain also sent muskets to Saratoga in coordination with the French in 1777! In fact, one link suggests that ALL weapons at Saratoga were Spanish supplied only by Spain!
The very first foreign weapons to arrive even before the American Revolution began were from Spain!
Diego de Gardoqui sent 300 Spanish muskets and 600 Spanish pistols to Marblehead Massachusetts in February 1775!
Spanish aid or Spanish trade was first before Lexington and Concord before the Declaration of Independence and before America's so called first and oldest ally France!
Spain was just as significant as France if not more so and I would argue more so!
Without Spain's decisive involvement both France and the American Colonies could never have won the American Revolution!
Not without Spain!
What an excellent channel, keep up the fantastic work. Iwish you had a Patreon.
Thank you! I do have a Patreon (link in bio) for early access and voting on future videos. You can join for free
On it!
Great video .... thanks
This is an amazing series. Very well done!
When I was younger, I was under the impression that Washington was a bad general and that remains a popularly echoed sentiment nowadays. However, when you actually delve deeper into his campaigns, the man was fairly good. This campaign demonstrated boldness, surprise, proper usage of defeat in detail, and a cunning manoeuvre to the rear which saw Cornwallis' communications cut when Washington marched on Princeton.
Though, I wonder how many Loyalists were guarding the depot at New Brunswick? The distance should be enough that Washington's army might have been able to make it there in a day or two days' march at most. I think a swift victory there, followed by the seizing of provisions for his men might have definitely been possible before Cornwallis came up. It would have been a good boon to the Revolutionaries and allow them to resupply, while depriving the Loyalists in the harsh winter months.
General George Washington was a excellent strategist.
He was also very lucky. If the British actually took it seriously and treated it like a proper war. He would have been dead before Howe set foot in the colonies
The thing is he was competent. Nobody every said he was a bad general, just that he was not great (his greatness was in keeping the army together). Any other competent general would have been able to achieve the same tactically as Washington did.
@@RoadmanRob8 Hmm. I would disagree. The British did treat it like a proper war, but they also had many disadvantages which prevented them from winning it. One of which is their impossibly long communications stretching across the Atlantic, making the transportation of men and supplies difficult. The Revolutionaries didn't have proper logistical infrastructure and organization, but the armies were usually so small that it shouldn't have posed an overwhelming logistical problem, especially operating in their own backyard.
Another thing is that British land commanders were, typically, rather lackluster when compared to other major European states prior to the 20th century. This is especially notable with the individual in charge of overall British operations in the theater of war, Viscount Sackville, who was an utter incompetent and was the individual who threw away a decisive victory at Minden by refusing to charge home. Marlborough and Wellington stand out in particular because they are extraordinarily rare. The British have always been historically better in the realm of naval warfare than on land. In contrast, I can name you a bunch of very good French and Austrian field commanders.
@@doritofeesh No they category did not. Hence it was called a rebellion here. It was treated as if it was a rebellion by the Scot’s or Irish. What was the aims of the British if it was a so called war. For the colonist’s to do as they’re told. Really. Americans do like to exaggerate everything. You want to believe that you beat the whole British army in a full scale war between two armies. Full on war. Nothing like that at all. But that’s Americans believing your own bullshit
These Stories Must Always Be Taught In Our USA Schools!
Washington fought a brilliant campaign. The only thing that could have made it perfect is if the British had held on to Charles Lee who was a legend in his own mind and a thorn in the side of Washington. Very well done video. Thank you
Man i love history
George Washington wasn't one of the great military minds of the age, but his skills at maneuver warfare are undeniable. Not every commander of this period could move his men around so quickly and in such an orderly fashion.
This is a fantastic video. Thank you.
I am trying to learn more about "The First Battle of Springfield" which took place in December, 1776. (Not the later, 1780 battle.) It's been forgotten because of Trenton & Princeton but it marked the first retreat of the British in NJ. This is a description of from a 1923 publication "The History of Westfield" by Charles A. Philhower.
Because of the great activity on his rear of the militia under Colonel
Ford, southeast of the Watchungs, Cornwallis sent out a company of men
from Elizabeth Town to drive them from their supporting position at
Short Hills. Somewhere about 1,500 men made up of Waldeckers and
General Leslie's brigade moved out to Springfield. Major Spencer, who
occupied Springfield, withdrew toward Chatham. Captain Brooklield
attacked the right flank on the Vaux Hall road and Captain Seely the
left-on the Westfield road. There was a conflict of about an hour, which
ceased on both sides because of darkness. The Continentals fell back
and the British rested on their arms in Springfield. It was expected that
the battle would be renewed in the morning; but to the surprise of
Colonel Ford he found that they had folded their tents like the Arabs and
had silently stolen away.
The advance toward Springfield was apparently from three directions
-Vaux Hall, Connecticut Farms and Westfield-in order to rid the terri-
tory of all harrassing movements in the rear of the army. The left wing
came through Westfield from Rahway and retreated from Springfield by
the same route. On the withdrawal from Springfield, Colonel Ford's
militia pursued the left wing to our town, but could not overtake it.
It is with pride that the people of Westfield now, as then, view this
first retreat in our State of the British before the Continental troops
through their town. Quoting Colonel Symmes, the statement reads,
"This was the first instance in the State of New Jersey when the British
troops turned their back and fled from those they called rebels ; and this
success, small as the affair was, taught the Jersey militia that the foe-was
not invincible" ("New Jersey Journal," No. 4636). The line of retreat
was doubtlessly over the Springfield road to what is now Woodland
road, thence to Mountain avenue by the.church, through the center of
the town, and out by way of Central avenue to Rahway. The militia
assembled for the defense of Short Hills was gathered together at Mor-
ristown, and on the sad and untimely death of Colonel Ford, Washington
sent General Maxwell to take command of them.
The success at Springfield and through Westfield was followed De-
cember 26 by Washington's'surprise party for the Hessians at Trenton.
The sad and gloomy days of the first part of the month were at Christ-
mas time turned to gladness ; and the patriots were fired with an indomi-
table zeal for victory. Washington's instructions from Trenton to Max-
well were, "Collect as large force as possible at Chatham and after gain-
ing the proper intelligence endeavour to strike a stroke upon Elizabeth
Town or that neighborhood." It is probable that Washington inter-
viewed Maxwell in Westfield concerning this matter about the time of
the battle of Trenton. Benjamin Downer, in the biography of his father,
the Rev. Edwin Downer, says Samuel Downer entertained General
Washington there (in the house now occupied by Dr. Frederick Kinch)
for a few days at the time of the battle of Trenton. Passing around the
enemy at Trenton, Washington captured Princeton, January 3, 1777, and
by way of Pluckemin went into winter quarters at Morristown, Janu-
ary 6.
At this time the enemy was much confused, and Maxwell, following
out instructions, had a brush with them at Springfield, compelled Leslie's
brigade to evacuate Newark, drove them out of Elizabeth and fought the
Waldeckers, January 5, at Spank Town (Rahway). At this last place
mentioned about 1,ooo bushels of salt were captured. Amboy aad New
Brunswick alone were left in possession of the enemy.- With this suc-
cess great relief come to the people of Westfield. The enemy ceased his
plundering, and the inhabitants who had taken refuge back of the moun-
tains returned to their homes from their six weeks' exile. They found
fences broken down, houses plundered, homes destroyed. It is said that
the depredations committed by the Hessians and British at this time
were "a disgrace to human nature."
Captain Eliakim Littell and General William Maxwell, with the State
militia, were the war dogs that kept the enemy at bay and protected the
lives and property of Westfield in this period of gravest peril. The good
work they did is set forth in a statement of Washington, January 20,
1777: "Within a month past, in several engagements with the enemy,
we have killed, wounded and taken prisoner between two and three thou-
sand men."
Your content is fantastic. I specifically like the level of detail provided in your videos. Definitely looking forward to more.
It's just crazy to me that I work just ten miles from where he crossed Delaware (near where it says Bordentown) and that at one point, I drive just a mile from the encampment at Valley Forge. Really need to visit sometime. I'm just so happy that my state has such close ties to our nation's founding. Hell, we're only beat by being the first state by five days.
Just in time.
This video is great.😊
You are so underrated
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
George Washington is one the greatest human beings ever to live🇺🇸🇺🇸he had one of the most sound minds of any leader this world has ever seen
You didn't mention James Monroe being in the battle.
On their way from the landing, the Continental Army passed the house of a local doctor. He saw them, and believing his services would soon be needed on the battlefield, went out and followed the army.
One soldier on the American side was shot in the chest, the round clipping an artery in his heart, but he was standing almost right beside the doctor, who was able to help him and close the artery immediately.
The Soldier was James Monroe, future president of the US.
Another thing: the Hessian commander had a report telling him Washington was coming, but he didn't get around to reading it. He put the unopened letter in his pocket because he recieved it while at a party and didn't want to be interrupted.
Can't Wait for you to do one about cowpens
well done. The one missing factoid - it was Robert Morris - essentially treasurer of the Congress, who gave (lent) Washington his personal cash to pay the one-month enlistment extension bonuses to keep the Continental army in the field. (You do also omit that Washington abandoned Trenton for PA after Christmas but then recrossed river for the rest of the story after he got this money.) Without that cash - provided by ONE patriot - the war would likely have ended right then. Our culture tends to dismiss the role that wealthy patriots played in risking all for success.
6:20 Tarleton unwittingly did the Patriots a great favor by capturing Lee.
Awesome!
My ancestors were there.
Awesome work. But Washington never planned on making his family relocated from Mount Vernon. When you go there you learn all about how his brother and Martha, his slaves and his property were never in danger. There was a code of conduct in the British army and they never even thought to burn or plunder his goods. Matter of fact, the British sent the warship HMS Serabis up the Potomac River and exchanged food and was offered lodging by Washington’s brother. Washington scolded him for this action.
There was a German Continental battalion at Trenton? That's interesting!
Washington always gets the credit but the real hero is Sullivan.
Please, can you lads tell me the name of that outro beat you dropped at 22:09? Marvelous work! Keep it up!
Great track, isn't it! 'Nono - 5th season'
I ate an edible and as I was scrolling I thought this was a hockey video. Because of the thumbnail on the right, I thought it was a net and the circles/players on the ice
😂 I hope you enjoyed it anyway
Washington was very good at the Fabian defense
Again, very good. Note that there was another reason to have spread out British forces. This was that American roads were poor and few, and drayage hard to come by, while our agriculture somewhat primitive, and the availability of fodder and pasturage quite limited. Thus, the British had to spread out not just to reassure loyalists, but to subsist themselves without over - here's that unfortunate word again - taxing local supplies.
I have so much respect for this man : Georges Washington!
Guillaume - City of Tours - France
Some would say its an American Crisis
TRUE STORY.Before the Delaware River froze over,a Schlagel relative of my Aunts' rowed across the river from Bucks County, PA.He went to see the Hessians at Trenton. He told them, "why are you fighting us,we are many Germans on the other side". He said, "Any man who comes with me now,I will give you some land,and one of my daughters to marry".2 Hessian soldiers got into the boat.One of them was named Johann Schwalm,and he is buried there on this same farm, still owned by the Schlagel family.
❤
My favorite president
You forgot to mention when Tarleton captured Lee, Lee was embarrassingly only in his underwear
Do you have twitter ?
😃😃😃