Hey, want to go to a birthday party? It’s the biggest party of the year. In fact, it’s happening all across the United States. It’s at my place, it’s at your place, it’s at everyone’s place. It’s on the Fourth of July – Independence Day. It’s a celebration of the freedom achieved by a new nation. The history of Independence Day is quite interesting. So acquaint yourself with the facts, and you’ll realize why it’s such a cause for celebration.
British rule was oppressive
Back in the early 1700s, the New World was the place to be. It was a place where people went to find a new life, a new start, a new freedom. At least that’s what people thought when they immigrated from Europe and Great Britain to the New World. They were the pioneers that saw an opportunity for a positive change in their lives.
However, when they reached the New World, they found that it was under British rule. Well, that was ok at first. After all, many had come from England, and they didn’t see any cause for concern. Same rules, same laws – just a different country.
As these European immigrants organized themselves into colonies, life was looking good – except for one thing. They had no say in the way they were governed. The British had basically taken over their lives, and laid down the law – British law. And that included British taxes.
Now nobody likes to pay taxes but, if they have to, at least they’d like to have some say in what happens with their tax money. Well, in the case of the colonies – 13 by then – their taxes were shipped back to Britain. And not only did they not see the benefits of their taxes, but they weren’t given the opportunity to be represented in the government that they paid their taxes to.
At the time, around the third quarter of the 18th century, Britain was under the rule of King George III. For King George, it was great having this money coming in, but it was too far away for him to care about what really went on over there. As long as the colonies behaved themselves, that is.
But the colonies had other ideas. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to behave themselves. It was just that they thought it very unfair that they had no say in the British Parliament. After all, they paid taxes – why didn’t they have some representation. Subsequently, these ideas were formed into a cry of protest: “Taxation without Representation!”
King George boosts his power in the New World
The new Americans decided to unite, to speak with a loud voice to King George, with the hopes of becoming more independent. Their first attempt at forming this united voice was the formation of the First Continental Congress in 1774, where representatives from all 13 colonies met in Philadelphia, PA.
As unrest increased in the colonies, King George got wind of it, and began to worry about it. In fact, he was so concerned that he sent extra troops to keep the colonies under control, and put a stop to any rebellion. Well, this just upset the colonists even more. In fact, they were “mad as hell, and they weren’t going to take it anymore!”
At first, the colonists had to intention of going to war with the British. After all, they were just 13 small colonies, without the strength to fight the powerful British army. And powerful that army was. When the British troops swooped down on the colonies, the tension increased.
One famous incident that happened at that time was Paul Revere’s midnight ride, warning the colonists that “The British are coming. The British are coming.” And that led to the Battle of Concord in Massachusetts, a much-publicized war, even overseas. It also marked the beginnings of the American Revolution.
The colonists fight back
The colonists were still not happy trying to fight the British – they just wanted independence, and they wanted to work it out peacefully. So they tried again.
In mid-1776, almost a year after the First Continental Congress, the Second Continental Congress was held, again in Philadelphia. At that meeting, the desperate colonists decided that they should just go ahead and create an independent government, and to heck with the British.
So they appointed a committee, headed by Thomas Jefferson, a man known for his superior speaking and writing abilities, to draft a formal agreement – a declaration of independence from Great Britain and British rule.
Joined on this committee by Thomas Jefferson were a few other famous names: Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. They left it to Thomas Jefferson to write the first draft, which he promptly did. The proposal was presented to Congress on June 28, 1776.
With a document this important, it couldn’t be expected that the first draft would be accepted. In fact, it was far from that. Although the basic ideas were good, there had to be 86 changes made before it was finally considered worthy. And that was completed by a vote, made late in the afternoon of July 4, 1776.
However, the vote wasn’t unanimous – out of the 13 colonies, only 9 voted in favor of the declaration. Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted against it. Delaware couldn’t make up their minds, and New York abstained. But it was enough to carry the motion.
So, on that memorable day – July 4, 1776 – the Declaration of Independence was first signed by John Hancock, who was at that time the President of the Continental Congress. It’s said that he signed it with “attitude”, that is, in large bold writing, stating as he did, that perhaps “King George can read that without spectacles!”
The Declaration of Independence is signed and circulated
The day after its first signing, the Declaration of Independence was circulated to the people. It was published two days later in the Pennsylvania Evening Post on July 6. And two days after that, it had its first public reading in Independence Square in Philadelphia. The people loved it, and cheering and an air of celebration rung out.
And so did the church bells, led by the Province Bell in Independence Hall. This bell became known as the famous Liberty Bell, on which is inscribed: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof”.
Although the Declaration of Independence was first signed on July 4th, for various reasons, the last signature wasn’t penned until August. But it’s the first signing that Americans recognize as the true beginning of their independence from Great Britain.
Obviously, King George didn’t recognize the declaration, which led to the eventual War of 1812. But that war was the beginning of the end of British rule in America. So even larger displays of cheering, bell-ringing and fireworks were called for. The Americans had finally won their freedom. And that was cause for widespread, joyous celebrations.
Independence Day is celebrated to the fullest
The birth of a nation is no small deal. In fact, it’s the foundation of a nation. And that’s how Americans viewed it. It was a cause for celebration. It was a great reason for a big national birthday party!
The partying really started in the year following the signing of the Declaration of Independence – July 4, 1777. Congress was closed down for the day. Bonfires burned, bells rang, fireworks lit up the sky. This was the beginning of a new nation – the United States of America – the “land of the free, and the home of the brave.”
Surprisingly, it took until 1941 for Congress to declare July 4th a National Holiday. But the celebrations went on regardless. You can now see the most awesome fireworks displays on July 4th. You can attend the biggest picnics. You can be a part of the largest parties.
There are parades held in cities and towns of all sizes, all across the nation, with marching bands giving musical tribute to the United States flag, playing “The Star Spangled Banner”. People line the streets, waving their American flags. What a celebration!
Americans love to celebrate Independence Day
People all across the United States love to celebrate the birth of their independence. And the 200th birthday was a big one! On July 4, 1976, what might be the world’s biggest and best birthday party was held all across the United States. Special celebrations were held in every community, outdoing themselves over previous years. For example, in Washington D.C., they put on a complete light show, including Laser beams that spelled out “1776-1976, Happy Birthday, USA” across the sky, against a backdrop of 33 tons of exploding fireworks. Quite the display!
Americans are very proud of their heritage. They’re proud of the pioneers who fought so valiantly to gain freedom, not only for themselves, but for all the people of the future – for the nation.
And Americans, with their cultural diversity, find many different ways to celebrate Independence Day, from a 6-mile race up Mount Marathon in Seward, Alaska; to the Festival of Candles in Lititz, Pennsylvania; to the raising of more than 200 flags in Tecumseh, Nebraska.
How do you celebrate Independence Day? Do you join in the picnics, the baseball, the camping out, the games, the steak barbeques? Independence Day is a day to be enjoyed, however you choose. So go out and have a great July 4th – and celebrate your freedom!
About The Author
Gareth Marples is a successful writer for hire providing tips and advice for consumers. His numerous articles offer moneysaving tips and valuable insight on typically confusing topics.
