Independence Day in the United States, commonly known as the Fourth of July, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. On that day, the thirteen American colonies formally declared their independence from Great Britain, marking the birth of the United States of America.
Colonial Tensions with Britain
- In the 1700s, the American colonies were governed by Great Britain, which imposed increasing taxes and trade restrictions.
- Key grievances included:
- The Stamp Act (1765) and Townshend Acts (1767) taxing colonists without representation in Parliament.
- The Boston Massacre (1770) and Boston Tea Party (1773) intensified colonial resistance.
- Britain’s harsh response to colonial protests further fueled revolutionary sentiment.
Move Toward Independence
- In 1774, the First Continental Congress met to protest British policies.
- Fighting began in April 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord—the start of the Revolutionary War.
- In 1776, momentum grew for a complete break from Britain.
Declaration of Independence
- Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration was debated and revised by the Continental Congress.
- It was officially adopted on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- The document declared the colonies free and independent states and outlined Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and the right to self-government.
Why July 4th?
- July 4 is the date the final version of the Declaration was formally approved by Congress.
- However, the actual signing occurred over the next few weeks and months.
- John Adams, who advocated for independence, expected July 2 (when Congress voted for independence) to be the celebrated date, but July 4 became the tradition.
Early Celebrations
- The first Independence Day celebrations included:
- Public readings of the Declaration.
- Parades, bonfires, and cannon fire.
- Celebrations symbolized unity and defiance against tyranny.
- By the early 1800s, July 4 had become the most important secular holiday in the U.S.
Becoming a National Holiday
- Independence Day was declared a federal holiday in 1870.
- It became a paid holiday for federal employees in 1938.