Washington crossing the delaware, emanuel leutze (1851) this painting of george washington leading troops across the delaware river in 1776 artistically depicts an important scene from the american revolution immediately prior to the battle of trenton. how did washington use the geography of the area to his advantage at the battle of trenton? a) he attacked during the winter, which was unheard of at the time. b) he attacked by crossing an icy river, which was a surprise move. c) he attacked by ascending a steep hill, which was a risky maneuver. eliminate d) he attacked by descending into a valley, which made the victory an easy one.