Which 1776 battle gave the Continental Army its first major victory after defeats around New York?

The Battle of Trenton gave the Continental Army its first major victory after defeats around New York.

George Washington led the surprise attack on December 26, 1776, against Hessian troops stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. The operation followed the Continental Army’s difficult retreat through New Jersey and Washington’s overnight crossing of the Delaware River. Severe weather delayed the movement, but the Americans reached Trenton after dawn and overwhelmed the garrison.

The victory was militarily limited but politically and psychologically important. Washington’s force captured much of the Hessian brigade, including supplies and prisoners, while suffering very few combat casualties. The result helped restore American morale, encouraged soldiers to reenlist, and strengthened support for the revolutionary cause.

The Battle of Trenton is sometimes blended with the Battle of Princeton, which followed a week later. They were separate engagements in the same campaign. Together, the victories reversed the momentum created by the British capture of New York City earlier in 1776.