Analysis of the Primary Source
This primary source is an account of the events that happened during the crossing of the Delaware. The narration is given by Washington, where he is describing their victory at Princeton despite the challenges faced. The story is set at a time when Sir Washington and his troop her making an effort to cruise troublesome Delaware during the American Revolution. The narration begins by giving information regarding the difficulty that the army faced due to the huge blocks of ice on the water that made it tedious to cruise over it. For this reason, the enemy managed to bring together the forces in preparation for the impending attack. Washington continues to describe the way his team became drained of its energy. Much to his expectations, the enemies began advancing towards them. Washington goes ahead to describe the fear that he and his army had. However, they had an advantage in terms of organization. As he delivers his speech, Washington expresses a sense of gratitude and happiness that all this had eventually come to an end and peace was about to reign.
The source was created for the Americans as a way of encouraging them that there was hope for peace and calm despite the unsettled situation during the American Revolution. This source was meant to be public, accessible to all Americans. Washington aimed at informing his audience the events that occurred while crossing Delaware. He also wished to persuade them not to lose hope and to believe that better days were coming.
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Analysis of the Image
The image was created to provide a visual sense to George Washington’s heroic crossing of Delaware on a small boat. It is set in a foul weather, where darkness is just about to set, covering Washington’s advancement to his enemies. However, the painting is slightly lighter compared to the actual event, which is Leutze’s promise of a bright future for the nation. The image reveals the importance and heroic aspect of the event; Washington was in a small boat in a river full of large ice stones, yet he managed to attack the enemies successfully. The painting tells a couple of stories: first, there was made in response to German politics. The artist, Emanuel Leutze made the painting as a way of inspiring German reformers. Second, the painting is a story of victory for Washington amidst the many challenges and struggles faced. The details on the painting are mostly symbolic and not accurate, where Leutze creates an inspirational image of brave men fighting together against all odds to liberate themselves.
Reference
Washington Describes Victory at Princeton, January 5, 1777 - American Memory Timeline- Classroom Presentation | Teacher Resources - Library of Congress . (2018). Loc.gov . Retrieved 13 March 2018, from http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/amrev/north/princetn.html
