Short History of New Jersey
the years before the Revolution, anti-British feelings
spread throughout the state. (For fun, play "Dunk
King George.")About one-third of the people living
here supported the rebels, one-third supported England,
and one-third remained neutral. In 1776 New Jersey declared
itself an independent state and joined the colonial side
in the Revolutionary War.
Jersey was an important state during the Revolutionary
War because of its location near the center of the thirteen
colonies and between New York City and Philadelphia. Because
of this, more battles were fought in New Jersey than in
any other state. The Americans and British fought 100 battles,
both large and small, here.
people consider the Battle of Trenton (see next page) to
be the turning point of the Revolution. Immediately after
winning Trenton, General George Washington won the battle
of Princeton. Having lost two battles in a matter of hours,
the British fled New Jersey for New York. Washington and
his troops spent the rest of the winter in Morristown,
and the United States was well on its way to victory.
Next: Battle of Trenton