Hessians

Examples of Hessians in the following topics:

• German Migration

  • When the American Revolutionary War broke out, Britain made arrangements with German princes to hire some 30,000 "Hessian" soldiers to fight against the American army.
  • The largest group came from the country of Hesse, and the soldiers are often referred to as Hessians.

• Washington's Escape from New York

  • In late August, the British transported about 22,000 men, including 9,000 Hessians, to Long Island.
  • On Christmas night, Washington and 2,400 men stealthily crossed the Delaware and surprised Hessian troops in Trenton the following morning, killing or capturing nearly 1,000 Hessians .

• Quebec, New York, and New Jersey

  • On the evening of December 25, 1776, Washington led 2,400 of his men across the treacherous Delaware River to ambush Hessian soldiers guarding the British fort at Trenton.
  • The German soldiers were completely caught off guard and the Continental Army quickly triumphed at the Battle of Trenton, killing or capturing nearly 1,000 Hessians.

• Philadelphia and Saratoga

  • General Howe was supported by Hessian troops as he took Philadelphia.

• Britain's War

  • These German soldiers became known as "Hessians" to the Patriots and were viewed as mercenaries.

• Conclusion: The Fight for Independence

  • As a result, the British supplemented their forces with approximately 30,000 German soldiers, known as Hessians.