Yankee Doodle

In 1755 a British army medical surgeon Richard Shuckburgh, while campaigning in Rensselaer New York, penned the nursery rhyme Yankee Doodle. This was used to mock the Colonists by the British soldiers, with whom they served in the seven years French and Indian war. The word Yankee was of Dutch origin, meaning a simpleton, Doodle from low German a country hick, and dandy a middle - class man impersonating the British aristocracy, who with the fashion of the day would wear a macaroni. This was an elaborate wig embellished with ornate decorations. Also speaking in an effeminate manner. After the seven years American war, the British Crown, who now controlled the thirteen States from New Hampshire in the North to Georgia in the South, increased taxes on the Colonists, to pay their fair share of the war. On July the fourth 1776 the Continental Congress declared independence from Great Britain, resulting in many battles and skirmishes. The words and tune of Yankee Doodle which was once an insult, became a song of pride, used to taunt the much vaunted power of the British army. After the British surrendered to the Colonists and the French, many verses were added extolling the struggles to achieve their ultimate victory. It is sung patriotically in the United States today, and is the state anthem of Connecticut. Yankee Doodle went to town A- riding on a pony, Stuck a feather in his cap And called it macaroni. ( chorus ) Yankee Doodle keep it up, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Mind the music and the step And with th girls be handy. Father and I went down to camp, Along with Captain Gooding, And there we saw the men and boys As thick as hasty pudding. ( chorus )