Washington’s Secret Attack

It’s the dead of night. You’re in a rowboat crossing an icy river. Bitter winds howl in your ears. Freezing rain stings your skin like millions of tiny needles. All around you, men are crammed so tightly in the small boat that you can barely breathe. And just when it seems like things can’t get any worse . . .

WHAM!

A huge chunk of ice slams into the rowboat. Hold on! You almost topple overboard as the boat rocks wildly back and forth. Freezing-cold water sloshes over the sides, soaking you to the bone. What are you doing here?

It’s the night of December 25, 1776. You’re on a boat full of soldiers crossing the Delaware River with General George Washington. On the other side of the river, there are more than 1,000 enemy soldiers. And you’re heading straight toward them!

It’s the middle of the night. You’re in a rowboat crossing an icy river. Sharp winds blow loudly in your ears. Freezing rain stings your skin like millions of tiny needles. Men are packed around you tightly in the small boat. You can barely breathe. It seems like things can’t get any worse. 

WHAM!

The rowboat hits a huge chunk of ice. Hold on! You almost fall as the boat rocks back and forth. Freezing-cold water spills over the sides. You’re soaking wet. What are you doing here?

It’s December 25, 1776. You’re on a boat full of soldiers crossing the Delaware River. You’re with General George Washington. There are more than 1,000 enemy soldiers on the other side of the river. And you’re heading straight toward them!

In the early 1700s, America was not yet a country. It was a group of 13 areas called colonies, ruled by England. But many people in the colonies wanted to form their own country­. In 1775, they began fighting a war to break free from England: the Revolutionary War. Their army was called the Continental Army. And their leader was a brave, smart general named George Washington.

By December 1776, the Continental Army had lost battle after battle. It seemed like their dream of freedom was about to die. 

But Washington believed in his troops. He came up with a daring plan. He and his soldiers were camped in Pennsylvania, on one side of the Delaware River. The enemy was on the other side, in New Jersey. If the Continental Army rowed across the river in the middle of the night, they could sneak up on the enemy’s camp! 

In the early 1700s, America was not a country yet. It was a group of 13 areas called colonies. England ruled these colonies. But many people in the colonies wanted to form their own country. They wanted to be free from England. That’s why they began fighting a war in 1775. It was called the Revolutionary War. Their army was called the Continental Army. And their leader was a brave, smart general. His name was George Washington. 

By December 1776, the Continental Army had lost battle after battle. It seemed like their dream of freedom was about to die. 

But Washington believed in his troops. He came up with a brave plan. He and his soldiers were camped on one side of the Delaware River, in Pennsylvania. The enemy was camped on the other side of the river, in New Jersey. If the Continental Army rowed across the river in the middle of the night, they could sneak up on the enemy’s camp! 

BOOM! BOOM! Cannon explosions shake the ground like an earthquake. Right away, it’s clear Washington was right: The enemy soldiers are surprised! After only an hour, they give up.

You look at the soldiers around you, exhausted but happy. Washington and his troops have finally won a battle!  

Seven years later, in 1783, the Continental Army will win the war once and for all. The colonies will officially become a free country: the United States of America. And the country’s first president? George Washington! He led you through that winter night—and now he will lead your new country. 

BOOM! BOOM! Cannon explosions shake the ground like an earthquake. It’s clear right away that Washington was right: The enemy soldiers are surprised! They give up after only an hour.

You look at the soldiers around you. You’re exhausted. But you’re also happy. Washington and his troops have finally won a battle!  

Seven years later, the Continental Army will win the war once and for all. In 1783, the colonies will officially become a free country: the United States of America. And the country’s first president? George Washington! He led you through that winter night. Now he will lead your new country.