Question

when washington broke with 18th century rules of war, he launched a surprise attack with this method and in this season. choose the best response.

• attacked the hessians in the summer.
• attacked early in the morning in the fall.
• floated across the delaware river in winter.
• on christmas day, he and the continental army took a day of rest.

Explanation:

⚡ Using what you learned: The Declaration of Independence and Revolutionary War

Step 1: Analyze the historical context of 18th-century warfare

In the 18th century, European military customs generally dictated that armies did not fight during the harsh winter months. Instead, they entered "winter quarters" to wait for spring. Launching a major offensive during winter, especially during a holiday, was a direct break from these established rules of war.

Step 2: Identify Washington's surprise attack

On the night of December 25–26, 1776 (mid-winter), General George Washington led the Continental Army across the icy Delaware River. This daring move allowed them to launch a successful surprise attack on the Hessian garrison at Trenton, New Jersey, on the morning of Christmas Day.

Step 3: Match with the correct option

• Option 1: "attacked the Hessians in the Summer." — Incorrect, the attack occurred in December (winter).
• Option 2: "attacked early in the morning in the Fall." — Incorrect, the attack took place in winter.
• Option 3: "floated across the Delaware River in Winter." — Correct, this accurately describes both the method (crossing the Delaware River) and the season (winter).
• Option 4: "On Christmas Day, he and the Continental Army took a day of rest." — Incorrect, they used this day to attack.

Answer:

floated across the Delaware River in Winter.