What was a significant event for this battle? the battles of trenton and princeton the battle signaled the end of the revolutionary war. colonists cut down trees to slow burgoyne's progress to saratoga where he lost his entire army. washington was defeated twice by a large british army. even though it was the capital city, it did not mean the end of the war. it provided the british with comfortable quarters. washington surprised the hessians on christmas eve while they were celebrating.