I need some help on this one question: Point out three details that help you see the historical period in which the story is set.Washington...

Based upon German folk tales with which Washington Irving
became familiar on his many visits to Europe, "Rip van Winkle" is set in Colonial
America and post-colonial times, shortly after the U.S. Constitution has been written. 
For, he describes the resplendent Kaatskill (Catskill) Mountains "clothed in blue and
purple that rise above the majestic Hudson
River.

1. That Irving's narrative is set during the
   Colonial Period within twenty years of the American Revolution is first evinced in the
   mention of a "rubicund portrait of his majesty George the Third."  This portrait hangs
   at an inn where Rip van Winkle sits on a bench on lazy summer days. (paragraph
   9)


2. After Rip awakens from his twenty-year sleep, he
   returns to the village inn only to find that the painting of King George has
   "metmorphosed" to a man with a sword, blue coat, and cocked hat.  Under the head is
   printed "General Washington."  The indication here is that the American Revolution has
   taken place while Rip has slept. (paragraph 30)


3. Rip is
   disturbed by the fellow with handbills who "harangues vehementsly about "rights of
   citizens--elections--members of Congress and other words that confuse van Winkle. 
   Evidently, the new government of the United States of America has been formed.
   (paragraphy 31)


4. When Rip declares himself a loyal subject
   of the King, he is met with shout of "A Tory!  A Tory! a spy! a Refugee," so the
   revolution must have just occurred. (paragraph
   33)