Question

George Washington chose Christmas night to cross the icy Delaware River and capture Trenton because ________.

• A. He surmised that the Hessians guarding Trenton would not be prepared for an attack on Christmas morning
• B. It was the only night his staff officers would agree to attack
• C. The period for which his troops had enlisted would be over the next morning
• D. His wife had a dream that he would win a battle before the end of the year
• E. He was not religious and did not observe Christmas

Answer 1

The correct option is A He surmised that the Hessians guarding Trenton would not be prepared for an attack on Christmas morning

George Washington chose Christmas night to cross the icy Delaware River and capture Trenton because he surmised that the Hessians guarding Trenton would not be prepared for an attack on Christmas morning. Washington hoped that a quick victory at Trenton would bolster sagging morale in his army and encourage more men to join the ranks of the Continentals come the new year.