Independence Day

Why is the 4th of July America’s national holiday?

 It was on the 4th of July, 1776, that the Second Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. They had actually voted to declare independence from Great Britain two days prior, on July 2nd, but did not finalize the document until the 4th. Future President John Adams and others even predicted after the vote that July 2nd might become America’s national holiday, but it turned out that the date of the Declaration of Independence’s finalization became far more well-known amongst the public.

What was the Continental Congress?

 The Continental Congress was made up of delegates from the American colonies during the Revolutionary War. The object of the First Continental Congress (in 1774) was to make joint decisions regarding colonial rights in the face of British rule, while the Second Continental Congress (1775-1776) had to decide what to do about the future in light of the military conflicts that had already taken place. All of the colonies were represented except Georgia, which later sent representatives to be part of the Second Continental Congress in time for the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Continental Congress governed the United States during this time and instituted its first federal government with the Articles of Confederation. Later on, all of this would form the basis of the U.S. Constitution, and everything that defines the nation as we know it today.

Who signed the Declaration of Independence?

 The Declaration of Independence was signed by a total of fifty-six men representing the thirteen original colonies of Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia. The largest and most famous physical signature on the document is that of John Hancock, who was the President of Congress at the time. It also includes the signatures of notable Founding Fathers such as Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. Historians have often debated whether the Declaration of Independence was, in fact, signed on July 4th rather than a later date. The truth of the matter can never be completely known, but a large number of historians believe that it was not signed all at once, and that many of the signers added their names on or after August 2nd of 1776.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

The main author of the Declaration of Independence is considered to be Thomas Jefferson, one of the major Founding Fathers of the United States. However, it is known that the Continental Congress made some changes to the document in order to make it acceptable to all the representatives of the various colonies. The Declaration of Independence was also never intended to be an expression of any one person’s opinions, but a summation of the colonies’ frustrations with Great Britain and their intentions to break away from the rule of its government.

 Did the Declaration of Independence end the Revolutionary War?

 The American Revolution had been raging for a year before the Declaration of Independence was adopted, but all the most decisive battles were yet to come. After some major defeats of revolutionary forces by the British, the latter demanded that the Declaration of Independence be withdrawn in exchange for peace. This was not done, and the battles continued for several more years. The point was at last made moot in 1783, when the Treaty of Paris ended the hostilities between Great Britain and the United States, acknowledging the American claim to independence.

When did Americans start celebrating the 4th of July?

 Americans have been celebrating on this day since the Declaration of Independence was first signed in 1776. However, it took a long time for it to become the official national holiday of the United States. “Independence Day,” as it began to be called in the early 1790s, was recognized by some states but did not become a federal holiday until the year 1870. Nevertheless, this important anniversary has been recognized by most Americans, whether formally or informally, since the birth of the nation.

 How has Independence Day been observed over the years?

 Americans traditionally celebrate their Independence Day with picnics, barbecues, nighttime fireworks displays, and other patriotic actions such as flying the American flag. Many of the earliest kinds of celebrations, which still continue to this day, encompass military demonstrations such as the thirteen-gun salute in honor of the thirteen original colonies. There are also tons of unique or whimsical celebrations, like the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York (said to have resulted from a dispute between four immigrants as to who was the most patriotic). The 4th of July has come to be one of the most beloved holidays among the American people, signifying both the potential for summer fun and the pride that comes along with freedom.