Historical Dictionary of the Netherlands

AMERICAN WAR OF INDEPENDENCE

American war of independence: translation

The 1763–1776 revolt of the American colonists against the British crown made a deep impression in the Dutch Republic. The treatises of Joseph Priestley, Thomas Paine, and others were translated. The Declaration of Independence inspired many so-called Patriots. The Dutch Republic was one of the first European states to recognize the American federation, John Adams being the first ambassador.