The American Revolution, a time the ultimate reach for independence from Great Britain was indecisive to achieve. Emmanuel Leutze painted the famous picture in 1851 with a definite strategy that favors America and the pride that comes along with our great country. Some images in the painting may be different than what occured on the Christmas night of 1776, but It is significant to understand that before Washington's crossing of the Delaware, the Continental Army was at its darkest stage, when surrendering to Great Britain seemed to be the only option.

Leutze's painting has George Washington standing at the front of the boat, chest held high with the sense of a large amount of bravado. This may not have been where Washington stood due to safety reasons on a stormy night like it was, it shows the sense of courage, leadership, and pride. This event proved to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War, for it gave the Continental Army and the colonies the sense of pride and hope that independence would be possible.

Another strategy Leutze provides is the "light from God" that casts down from the heavens onto the boat Washington is on. This shows that Leutze wants the viewers to see that it was God's mission for Washington to lead his men across the river onto independence. The aspect of God's light provides a fairy tale type ideal in which this crossing was the most important event in the shaping of American history. It reality, these men crossed at night during a horrific sleet and snowstorm, which shows that the crossing was not as easy or momentous.

Although Leutze's painting may be exaggerated in content, it has still provided one of the most important images, which attempts to convince its viewers who Americans are. The painting shows the pride and determination that all American should have in life. Its the exaggerations that have made Washington's crossing the Delaware not only poetic and famous, but also strategic in winning America's independence.