Ten Facts About Battle of Princeton-- Part 7: Victory Saved Patriot Cause

9.  THE VICTORY AT PRINCETON RESCUED THE PATRIOT CAUSE FROM ONE OF ITS DARKEST HOURS

The disastrous defeats in the 1776 New York Campaign and retreat across the Delaware River had left prospects for American independence in tatters.  Rather than retreat into winter quarters as everyone was expecting, Washington chose to attack.

His victories at Trenton, the Assunpink Creek and Princeton completely reversed the fortunes of the Continental Army and the prospects of the young United States.

Many look at the battles of Trenton and Princeton as small affairs, but these battles, combined with the tough winter campaigning sliced Lord Howe's once mighty army in half.  Howe's further requests for reinforcements left many in London aghast.

Washington's bold maneuvers and gambles as well as effective leadership had delivered the very sort of public  confidence that Washington was keen to produce.  Not only were the British and Loyalists discouraged, but his own soldiers found newfound  confidence that they could beat the very best that the British could put onto the field.'

--Cooter