This painting depicts General George Washington leading his troops across the Delaware River to launch a surprise attack against the German mercenaries, called Hessians, who were not expecting an attack due to the fact that they were celebrating Christmas. The fighting that ensued, called the Battle of Trenton, led to a major win for the American colonists.
Shay's Rebellion showed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. When the central government couldn't put down the rebellion, the first stirrings of federalism began to gather strength.