Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence declared the American colonies' separation from Great Britain and their establishment as a new nation, the United States of America.
The history of Independence Day begins with the American Revolutionary War, which lasted from 1775 to 1783. The conflict between the American colonies and Great Britain had been brewing for several years due to various issues, including taxation without representation and the desire for greater self-governance.
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia proposed a resolution to the Second Continental Congress stating that "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States." The Congress appointed a committee, known as the Committee of Five, to draft a formal declaration justifying the colonies' independence.
The Committee of Five, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston, worked on the draft. Thomas Jefferson, the primary author, composed a document that articulated the fundamental principles of freedom, equality, and self-government. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Lee's resolution, officially declaring independence from Britain.
Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The document was signed by fifty-six delegates representing the thirteen colonies, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. The signing of the declaration marked the birth of a new nation.
Independence Day was celebrated in various ways in the years following the American Revolution. Early celebrations included public readings of the Declaration of Independence, parades, and fireworks. The first recorded use of fireworks for Independence Day occurred on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia.
Over time, Independence Day became an established holiday and a symbol of American patriotism. In 1870, Congress declared July 4th a national holiday, and it has been celebrated as such ever since. Today, Independence Day is observed with a range of activities, including fireworks displays, barbecues, picnics, concerts, and patriotic ceremonies. It serves as a time for Americans to reflect on their history, honor their founding principles, and celebrate the freedom and independence of the United States.
