Yankee Doodle originated as a folk song sung by which group?

• A. American soldiers
• B. British soldiers
• C. French soldiers
• D. Native Americans

Answer: (B)

Yankee Doodle began as a tune used by British soldiers to mock American colonial troops in the mid-1700s. The verses poke fun at the colonists’ attire and attitudes—the idea of “sticking a feather in his cap and calling it macaroni” highlights British ridicule of colonial fashion and naivety. Because it was created to tease the colonists, the singers were British soldiers. Later, American colonists adopted the song and turned it into a symbol of pride during the Revolution, but its origin lies with the British military.