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# The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)
- URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/show/the-american-revolution/episode/the-american-revolution-episode-3-the-times-that-try-mens-souls/
- Published: 2025-11-14T17:15:58.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-13T07:30:16.000Z
- Description: Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.
- Author: Cascade PBS Staff
- Tags: The American Revolution, Season 1, Episode 3, #ZZZ_Episode_3b9c18a9-ad97-44c3-bbc9-b54a71d1c3c1, #episode, #ZZZ_Show_f16516f8-e9bd-49d8-b49b-96781c68070a, #v1.16

The Revolution, now a war for American independence, faces its toughest challenge yet as General Washington tries to defend New York City from invasion by sea. The resulting Battle of Long Island is a huge defeat for the Americans, who narrowly escape and spend the next several months on the run. In late December, Washington’s army regroups and prepares to attack an outpost in Trenton, New Jersey.