This is the crossing of the Delaware by the troops of George Washington on Christmas of 1776. This movie is a made for t.v. movie and stares Jeff Daniels as General Washington. I must admit I had not realized how desperate the plight of General Washington was at the time. He had just barely escaped into Pennsylvania as he retreated form New York, and had put the Delaware River between he and the pursuing British, supported by Hessian mercenaries. He had gone into winter quarters at Valley Forge, and everyone expected him to sit out the winter there. However the British were just waiting for the river to freeze over so they could continue their pursuit. At this time there were 20,000 British, compared with Washington's 2000, who were poorly armed, and lacked munitions and food. It was a desperate time, and in short, the fate of the federal army depended on the outcome of this battle.
General Washington was able to keep his movements a secret from the Hessian forces at Trenton, and they did catch them by surprise Christmas morning. The result was the elimination of a force of 1200, with 300 killed and 900 captured, with no casualties on the par of the federals. It was truly a miracle, and the cannon and arms taken from the fort there, resupplied the federal forces, so they could live and fight another day. Never would the federal forces be as depleted again. Even though the was would continue for seven more years, this was a turning point that changed history.
I enjoyed this movie, but I love history, as well as love to watch Jeff Daniels act. It was fun the play he had with his generals as well.
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