I'm particularly interested in Dutch history, even though it wasn't an independent nation for much of its history under the Holy Roman Empire. I've particularly been interested in the Frisian Freedoms and Dutch revolts, the rise of Amsterdam as the "bookshop of Europe" and of course, the Dutch Republic of 1585-1795.

While British captured Nieuw Amstedam by 1664, its Dutch & Huguenot colonists didn't disappear when it became New York.

Many of their descendants fought in our Revolution, and some were delegates to the Constitutional Convention.

I see significant connections between an active history of electing judges, the "no nobles or serfs" ideals, religious freedom, freer press-- and the Bill of Rights, which the New York colonists wanted as a condition of ratifying the Constitution.

But I don't know where to find reliable resources for such details, or even how to find historical proof that the Dutch experience played a role in the discussion on liberty and forming our country.

I'm hoping somebody here has studied the issue and can help me out! Or better yet, do a great answer in detail!