20. George Washington saved the revolution by crossing the Delaware River
Washington Crossing the Delaware is perhaps the most iconic image of the American Revolution. As 1776 drew to a close, the Patriots’ bid for independence had not been going well. They had been outgeneralled, outfought, and soundly drubbed. Morale was low, so Washington planned a daring raid to score a quick victory and restore some confidence. From his base in Pennsylvania, he would cross the nearly frozen Delaware River, to suddenly descend upon and destroy Hessian forces on the opposite bank, in Trenton, New Jersey.