Episode Details

Shattering the Myth of Hessian Invincibility at the Battle of Trenton. Guest: Professor Richard Bell. King George III rented 30,000 German soldiers, known as Hessians, to crush the American insurgency, leading to widespread patriot terror. Washington's victory at Trenton was a crucial symbolic blow that proved these "savage cutthroats" were human and defeatable. Following their capture, Hessian prisoners were sent to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where they were encouraged to desert or defect to the American cause. This strategy resulted in 5,000 desertions, with many Hessians eventually becoming naturalized citizens and even contributing to early American culture, such as writing the unofficial national anthem. 5
18181