There is no one answer to this question, as the hand clapping game has apparently been around for many years and there are many different theories as to where it originated. One popular theory suggests that the hand clapping game originated during the American Civil War and the Merrimack warship or the Battle of Hampton Roads. Another theory suggests that the hand clapping game might have originated in medieval Europe and been brought over to America by immigrants. Regardless of its origins, however, the hand clapping game is a classic children's amusement and has been enjoyed by generations of Americans.