WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In all, 30, 000 Hessians fought for the British during the Revolutionary War, but they weren’t bloodthirsty “mercenaries” motivated by greed, says Friederike Baer, a history professor at Penn State Abington, and author of Hessians: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War.

Detailed explanation-2: -Most of the Hessians received no compensation for their services beyond their daily bread. It was the Prince of Hesse-Cassel, Frederick II, who made off like a bandit in his dealings with George III. He sold the services of 12, 000 Hessians to the English at [sterling]7 4s.

Detailed explanation-3: -The term is an American synecdoche for all Germans who fought on the British side, since 65% came from the German states of Hesse-Kassel and Hesse-Hanau. Known for their discipline and martial prowess, around 30, 000 Germans fought for the British during the war, around 25% of British land forces.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hessians were mercenaries, or hired soldiers. Great Britain hired them to fight against the Americans. Why did Hessians have less motivation than the Patriots? The Patriots were fighting for their own rights and freedoms; the Hessians were paid to fight.

Detailed explanation-5: -The short answer: it wasn’t fortified. Even though Rall apparently was warned of the impending attack, he chose to simply lie in wait. “The failure of the Hessians to defend Trenton is directly attributable to Rall, ” says Pat Seabright, a historical interpreter at Washington Crossing Historic Park.