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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Hard Choices," how does the author describe the task of getting the rebel troops together for another battle following their surprise victory over the Hessians?

2. The title of this chapter, "The Bridge," refers to one crossing over which waterway?

3. According to the author in the chapter entitled "The Surprise," if the Americans lose this historical battle, it will signal the end of George Washington's career, if not what?

4. What is the American rebels' attitude following their crossing the Delaware River and heading on toward Trenton?

5. Following their victory in the surprise attack against the Hessians, the Americans share a spirit that the author describes as what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the bridge at Assunpink Creek crucial for the Americans to protect?

2. To what is the title of the chapter called "Good Ground" a reference?

3. What is George Washington's fear as his troops march toward Trenton?

4. How successful are the rebels in crossing the Delaware River?

5. What does Benjamin Rush's term "composure" indicate when describing the mood of the American rebels?

6. Why is the nor'easter seen as a blessing in disguise?

7. What deters George Washington from attacking Trenton when he originally plans?

8. How does the initial assault on Trenton fare for the Americans?

9. How does George Washington plan to use his artillery in his attack on Trenton?

10. How does Charles Cornwallis view the American forces following their second victory at Trenton?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Hessians are legendary for their discipline as well as courage and obedience. How does discipline in the Hessian army differ from that in the British military? How much more or less strict is Hessian discipline? What use do they make of corporal punishment? How far does punishment for a soldier that misbehaves extend?

Essay Topic 2

While not everyone's first choice as the commander-in-chief of the American army, why is Washington the best selection? What experience does Washington have as a commander? What is Washington's age and health at this time? What other factors come into play making Washington the optimum selection?

Essay Topic 3

The Americans arrive in Trenton around 7:30 a.m. Why do they still have a surprise attack? The Hessians are diligent, so what have they done to make them prone to a surprise attack? What makes the American army of volunteers with less training and discipline successful against a professional military with more of these attributes? How successful are the Americans in the execution of their attack, and what do they achieve?

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