David Hackett Fischer has written a remarkable book on one of
the more important events of the American Revolution: the Battle
of Trenton, placing that battle within the larger Revolution
with great detail. The book is part of the Pivotal Moments in
American History series, edited by Fischer and James McPherson.
Fischer’s work, like others in the series examines a significant
moment in American history and how that event shaped the course
of the development of the nation. Washington’s Crossing explores
the importance of Trenton, as it is one of the most important
days for the creation of the United States, as without this
event, the Revolution would have likely collapsed.(ix) Fischer
provided an enormous amount of background, starting first with
the competing forces. He discussed the American army, including
a brief biography of George Washington, noting more democratic
elements within it, like the Committee of Privates in one
Pennsylvania unit, as well as an overall lack of
discipline.(11-2, 27) In contrast