Hessian Soldiers in the American Revolution: A Detailed History
A report from Smithsonian magazine commemorating America's 250th anniversary delves into the role of Hessian soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. On August 15, 1776, more than 8,600 German soldiers joined British forces on Staten Island, having been loaned by German leaders who were financially supported by Britain. After Russia and the Dutch rejected Britain's initial appeal, agreements were established with six German states. These troops faced vilification from patriot propaganda. They fought in significant battles, but Washington's unexpected assault at Trenton on December 26, 1776, resulted in the capture of nearly 900 soldiers. Of the 30,000 Germans who fought, approximately 1,200 died in battle, and between 5,000 and 6,000 chose to stay in North America. The conflict concluded with the Treaty of Paris in September 1783.
Key facts
- On August 15, 1776, over 8,600 German troops arrived on Staten Island, New York.
- The Hessians were not mercenaries but soldiers on loan from German rulers who received subsidies from Britain.
- Britain signed subsidy treaties with six German territories, including Hesse-Cassel and Hesse-Hanau.
- The Declaration of Independence cited the use of foreign mercenaries as a grievance.
- The first contingent of German troops left Bremerlehe in April 1776 and endured a harsh Atlantic crossing.
- The Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776, resulted in the surrender of nearly 900 German troops.
- Of the roughly 30,000 Germans who served, about 1,200 were killed in combat and nearly 6,400 died from illness or accidents.
- Between 5,000 and 6,000 Germans remained in North America after the war.
- The war ended with the Treaty of Paris in September 1783.
Entities
Artists
- John Trumbull
- George Washington
- George III
- Friederike Baer
- Johann Gottfried Seume
- John Jay
- William Howe
- Edward J. Lowell
- Greg Daugherty
Institutions
- Smithsonian magazine
- Penn State Abington College
- Continental Congress
- Continental Army
- British Army
- Parliament
- Supreme Court
Locations
- Staten Island
- New York
- Quebec
- Canada
- Germany
- Hesse-Cassel
- Hesse-Hanau
- Russia
- Netherlands
- Bremerlehe
- Portsmouth
- England
- Long Island
- Brooklyn Heights
- East River
- Lower Manhattan
- Kip's Bay
- Harlem Heights
- White Plains
- Westchester County
- Hudson River
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware River
- Trenton
- North America
- United States