(1) We are tired, we are hungry, we are cold, and it is Christmas night, and there is a storm. Freezing rain, biting wind, snow—and now sleet is pelting against our already worn bodies. Tonight, the Delaware River is navigable to only the finest of watermen and choked with ice. The water sprays up, crashing around the frozen maze that lies before us. Yet we set out with our horses, our cannons, and our ammunition. Standing is better than sitting in the wet boats. Is it any wonder now that we are across, we are three hours behind schedule? The river is only 300 feet wide, yet it feels like miles. (2) Once we land on the opposite bank, ten miles still lie between us and our destination, and I hear through the ranks that General Washington is contemplating turning back. Strange that despite all of the terrible losses thus far, he has yet to give up. Soon word comes that we will march on to battle in Trenton. Ten miles on slick, snow-covered roads is an ambitious venture, perhaps a last-ditch effort on Washington’s part. But we will go, because we have followed his lead thus far. We have battled and lost, and battled and lost, but never let it be forgotten that we are fighting for something much bigger than one battle—we are fighting for our very freedom.

Question: Which event is most clearly an important part of the historical and cultural context of this story? (RI7.3, DOK/3)

The decision of the American colonies to fight a war of independence with Britain
The decision of the American colonies to fight a war of independence with Britain

the decision of pioneer families to travel West to find new homes for themselves
the decision of pioneer families to travel West to find new homes for themselves

the purchase of new lands in the southeastern part of the United States
the purchase of new lands in the southeastern part of the United States

the arrival of Christopher Columbus and his crew in America​