George Washington's 1776 Christmas Present: Saving the American Revolution

The American Revolution was over. The United States of America was finished. The Continental Army was all but finished in December 1776 as the British and their Hessian (German) mercenary allies settled in for a long winter rest. In those days, it was customary that armies rest and refit in the winter months in preparation for the campaign seasons of spring and summer. And the British were all about custom and tradition.

No matter, thought the British. They saw little need to move directly against Washington's army and risk further casualties. The Continental Army was disintegrating. Unpaid, ill-equipped, cold, and hungry, soldiers in the Continental Army were deserting or walking away as soon as their enlistments expired. A few were even switching sides! In fact, at the civilian level, hundreds of American families were reaffirming their allegiance to King George III.

It appeared that New York and New Jersey would be firmly back under King George's "protection" within just a few months. They had already humiliated the Continentals out of New York, inflicting heavy damage on Washington's army. There was no reason for the British to mess up their Christmas in 1776. Everything was going their way.

On the American side, despair and hopelessness were the order of the day. The situation was worse than grim. The American cause was all but over. Except for one man, that is - a man who refused to give up. George Washington was the "Rocky" of the American Revolution. In spite of countless setbacks and up against incredible odds, Washington never threw in the towel. He never gave up. And his legendary perserverance was on full display in Chrstmas 1776.

In an audacious display of desperation and determination, General Washington decided to attack. In a few days, his army would be virtually gone, due to the scheduled expiration of enlistments. If he was going to lose his army, he was going to go down fighting. So, he attacked.