On the night of Christmas, 1776, Americans stepped into the icy Delaware River.
It was dark, and the water was unforgiving as ice floes slammed against boats and snow soaked through coats.
You see, most of the Americans who participated in the Revolution at this time weren’t professional soldiers. They were everyday merchants, craftsmen, and politicians. This meant their uniforms weren’t up to professional standards and often left the men cold during the winter.
Still, they persisted, led by their general, George Washington.
George Washington didn’t hunger for power — he even rejected a lifetime appointment to the presidency after winning American independence.
He was a planter, surveyor, and veteran of the British Army with a spotty battlefield record.
But when the call for Revolution rang, Washington answered and humbly walked forward, believing in Providence and the natural rights principles enshrined that summer in the Declaration of Independence.
It’s a good thing he did, too.
By Christmas of 1776, the American Revolution was in a desperate situation.
Crushing defeats in New York had bruised the morale of Washington’s men, and enlistments were set to expire, meaning Washington could lose most of his army.
Many believed the cause was already lost.
Washington knew he had to take steps to ensure independence didn’t slip away.
He also knew independence wouldn’t come easily, but the struggle would sweeten the victory. As he’d once written, “the harder the conflict, the greater the triumph.”
With this in mind, he took one small step and led his battered army across the river to Trenton, New Jersey, where a large force of Hessian mercenaries was occupying the town.
Despite all odds, the patriots saw victory at dawn on December 26, losing only a few men and capturing nearly 1,000 enemy soldiers.
While limited in strategic significance, the victory at Trenton was a decisive moral turning point for the Continental Army, proving that independence was still a viable cause to fight for.
The crossing of the Delaware wasn’t a grand gesture, but a desperate, small step taken to ensure Washington’s men could fight another day for liberty.
That step made by Washington and his men protected independence long enough for the American experiment to continue, allowing hundreds of millions to embrace the American Dream for generations to come.
This truth is echoed in our One Small Step campaign, launching with America’s 250th anniversary.
Freedom isn’t sustained by sweeping movements made by politicians or millionaires. It is carried forward by everyday decisions made by everyday people.
As Washington said in his inaugural address, “the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty was entrusted to the hands of the American people.”
Nearly 250 years later, the threats to liberty and the American Dream look different, but our responsibility is the same.
Limited government and economic prosperity are truly possible when everyday people choose to take steps every day toward expanding freedom and opportunity.
One Small Step is an invitation to honor the sacrifice of Washington and his soldiers.
Every generation faces its own version of the Delaware River.
Not every step is dramatic or dangerous like Washington’s.
It doesn’t require heroics, a life-or-death sacrifice, or a career in advocacy for everyone — it requires intention and participation.
Liberty in the United States is under threat from many directions, and we should fight to protect it.
Whether you care about education reform, health care solutions, or economic opportunity, we urge you not to be complacent.
As Americans looking back on 250 years of sacrifice, it’s time we all accept responsibility and take One Small Step to preserve our founding principles.
Your step probably won’t look like George Washington’s, but you can still make an impact and step forward, just as Americans did on a freezing Christmas morning in Trenton.
To make an impact and follow our journey celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, follow our One Small Step toolkit website, where we post challenges and updates every month.
You can also sign our digital Declaration of Independence to mark your commitment to America’s founding principles.
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