Which 1776 battle did George Washington win after crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night?

George Washington won the Battle of Trenton after crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776.

Washington led Continental Army troops across the river during the night of December 25–26, 1776. At dawn on December 26, the Americans attacked the Hessian garrison at Trenton, New Jersey. The Hessians were German auxiliaries serving with the British army, and their commander, Johann Rall, was mortally wounded during the fighting.

The American victory came at a difficult moment. The Continental Army had suffered defeats around New York, enlistments were expiring, and morale was low. Capturing Trenton revived confidence and encouraged soldiers to remain in service. Washington followed the victory with another success at Princeton in January 1777.

The crossing is often shown as a single dramatic boat journey, but the operation involved difficult weather, ice, darkness, and multiple boats. The Battle of Trenton itself was brief, and the American victory secured prisoners, weapons, and supplies.