Download Lesson 2 - MKHS

Movie Lesson: The Crossing
Reference: Coatsworth, D. & Fast, H. (Producers). (1999). The Crossing. (Film).
New York: A & E Network.
December 1776. Decimated by superior British forces, suffering from disease, desertion and lack of funds,
General George Washinton faces the unthinkable – losing the war. Despite all advice to the contrary, Washington
makes a courageous decision that is considered to be one of the boldest in military history. On Christmas night,
with the American Revolution hanging in the balance, Washington takes his army across the ice-choked Delaware
River. The next morning, he leads a surprise attack against a garrison of battle-hardened Hessian mercenaries.
The overwhelming and miraculous victory turns the tide in the war and ultimately leads to the birth of the United
States.
Objectives:
1. Examine the role of George Washington at the Battle of Trenton.
2. Summarize the relationship between Washington and Glover.
3. Discuss the importance of the Battle of Trenton.
4. Compare the Washington portrayed in this movie to the real historical figure.
5. Critique the movie. Which aspects of the movie did you enjoy most? What did you learn
about American History through this movie?
Key People:
Key Terms:
Key Concepts/Events/ Geography:
George Washington
Hugh Mercer
Alexander Hamilton
John Glover
Henry Knox
Colonel Rall
foundry
Hessians
provisions
Battle of Trenton (map)
Delaware River
amphibious landing
Introduction: The Buccaneer
Jean Lafitte – last of the buccaneers – lives on in Lord Byron’s immortal
words: “He left a corsair’s name to other times – Linked with one virtue and a
thousand crimes.”
Three American Presidents condemned, pardoned, and again condemned this
pirate. But Fate placed into the hands of this man-without-a-country the destiny of a
country, the United States of America, fighting for its very existence in the War of
1812. . .
Defeat had followed defeat. Now, only one man stood guard to ward off the
final deathblow; a backwoods general called Andrew Jackson, with a handful of
squirrel hunters and raw recruits.