Your Detailed Guide To July 4th
What exactly is the Fourth of July? Why do we observe it annually? Don't worry, we have you covered with this Fourth of July guide.
Why do we observe July Fourth?
Every year, Americans celebrate July 4th, often known as Independence Day.
You might be thinking, "But why do we celebrate the Fourth of July? What does that imply?" Well, today is a very important day in American history since it is the day the United States became a sovereign state. The country was founded on July 4th, 1776, with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The birth of the United States is commemorated through festivals, parades, fireworks, barbecues, sparklers, and other fun events.
From what nation did we claim our independence?
The US formally broke apart from Great Britain. We must go back in time a little in order to completely comprehend the significance of Independence Day and what transpired in 1776. America was originally made up of 13 colonies that Great Britain created before becoming its own nation. In Virginia's Jamestown, the first colony was founded in 1607. All through the 17th century and a significant amount of the 18th century, European nations, particularly Great Britain, persisted to populate America. The 13 colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia were home to an estimated 2.5 million inhabitants by 1775.
What motivated the colonists to desire their own country?
Once Great Britain started establishing laws that allowed it more power within the colonies, tensions began to build. After the French and Indian War, the Crown began taxing the American colonies to raise money because it was in debt. Even though the colonies had no influence over the Crown's policies, laws like the Stamp Act of March 1765, the Townshend Acts of June and July 1767, and the Tea Act of 1773 required colonists to pay more money to Great Britain. This swiftly came to be known as taxation without representation and was a contentious pillar in the American Revolution.
On July 4, 1776, what actually transpired?
Let's go back in time to Philadelphia in June 1776, where the Continental Congress met. Here, Virginian politician Richard Henry Lee put up a resolution calling for the colonies to renounce their allegiance to Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence was written by a committee that was established to create an official declaration of independence. Lee's proposal for independence was accepted on July 2, 1776. The Declaration of Independence was formally ratified two days later, on July 4, 1776, making America a free country. Following its declaration of independence, America persisted in the Revolutionary War, winning it in September 1783.
Grateful for everyone who has served this wonderful nation and helped secure our freedom. Learning about our past is a good way to remember them. Happy Fourth of July!