Independence Day | History, Meaning, & Date

July 4 is a special day for Americans. Called Independence Day, it reminds people of the time when their country finally snatched back its freedom from the British. Back in 1776, on this day, thirteen colonies became their own country and marked a huge moment in America's history, and the USA still celebrates it with full enthusiasm. This year, the holiday of the Fourth of July falls on Tuesday. As we prepare to celebrate it with parades, fireworks, events, and scrumptious cuisine, it's important to take a moment to reflect on the history and significance of this special day. So, let's dive in! 

Unraveling the Fourth of July: A Journey Through History

Americans have fought a very long way for their independence. Many significant events in their history made it possible to be the great nation it is now. One of those significant events was the initial battles in the Revolutionary War that broke out in April of 1775. The war resulted from years of estrangement between the British Empire and the North American Colonies.

And the driving force behind this estrangement was the people's irritation with Britain's policies. One such policy was Salutary Neglect, giving Britishers more control over Americans from their daily life to businesses. As soon as this policy arrived, Americans decided they had had enough of King George's rules. So, they took their first step towards independence in the Revolutionary War. 

What made the Revolutionary War a notable event in American history was the collective desire for the colonists to have complete independence from Great Britain. Neatly those who did were considered radical, but soon they were accompanied by more colonists. On the top comes the growing hostility against Britain among the common people, which spreads revolutionary sentiments like white clouds throughout the entire country.

All of this led to the day of June 7, when in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress gathered at the Pennsylvania State House (later known as Independence Hall). During the meeting, Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, put forward a motion that proposed the colonies' independence.

As America already suspected, the meeting resulted in heated debate, and Congress ended up postponing the vote on Lee's resolution. But, they appointed a formal committee to draft a formal report justifying the break with Great Britain. The committee members included Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, as well as Robert R. Livingston of New York.

Twenty four days passed by after the formation of the committee. On the 25th day came the day of July 2, and finally, the Continental Congress voted in acceptance of Lee's resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote. 

On that remarkable day, John Adams conveyed to his dearest wife, Abigail that July 2 would be commemorated, by future generations, as a significant anniversary festival. He suggested that the celebration should involve "Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Bells, Guns, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other."

However, little did he know that his prediction would be off by two days. Actually, what happened is that after the voting on July 2, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence was the formal funding document of the United States, largely written by Jefferson, and holds a special place in the hearts of the American people.  

The Congress suggested some changes in it, and on the 4th of July, they officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. That's why, even though the vote for actual independence occurred on July 2, it was July 4 that marked the birth of American independence.

 Independence Day: Unveiling the Meaning and Date of USA's Liberation

Fireworks, bonfires, parades, and delicious dishes, especially the hot dog, have always been part of the USA's happy independence day celebration, except for the very first celebration. History has marked it differently because people back then celebrated it with mockery funerals to mock the Britishers, symbolizing the end of the monarchy's rule over America and the triumph of liberty.

During the years leading up to the American Revolution, the colonists held annual celebrations in honor of the king's birthday. These celebrations typically included the ringing of bells, bonfires, processions, and speeches. In response to that, in the summer of 1776, some colonists chose to commemorate the birth of independence differently, with mock funerals for King George III. 

While the people of the USA continued to celebrate their independence with mock funerals, concerts, bonfires, and parades, the day came on July 8, 1776, adding meaning to these celebrations and giving them a whole new color of patriotism and nationhood. 

At noon on July 8, 1776, Colonel John Nixon took the stage to publicly read the Declaration of Independence for the first time. On that very evening, the Sons of Liberty lit up the sky with a spectacular fireworks display above Boston Common. The event of reading eventually spread the word that colonies had declared themselves free from British rule. Meanwhile, Congress remained occupied with the ongoing war.

The event wrote another passage in the history of America as a pivotal point, where every American felt a sense of patriotism with the firing of 13 cannon representing 13 Colonies and swearing to retain and build this nation at every cost.

From that day to the following years and up until now, the celebration comes with a wind of full enthusiasm combined with parades, fireworks, events, and of course, barbeques and leaves people with a sense of patriotism. 

4th Of July- Becoming A Federal Holiday

How the 4th of July became a federal holiday has a story of its own. 

Following the Revolutionary War, Americans upheld the tradition of celebrating Independence Day every year. This provided an opportunity for emerging political leaders to connect with citizens and foster a sense of unity. However, as the 18th century started to approach, both the Federalist Party and Democratic-Republicans, the two main political parties, began to host separate Fourth of July celebrations in many large cities.

People stayed somewhat okay with it, but the War of 1812 changed everything. Americans fought hard against the British to retain their independence, once again. This war engraved a sense of patriotic celebration and made it even more widespread. So finally, in 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday. Later, in 1941, the Government expanded this provision to grant a paid leave to all federal employees.

FAQ

When is Independence Day celebrated in the USA in 2023?

Every year on July 4, Americans welcome and celebrate their Independence Day.

Why is Independence Day celebrated?

Independence Day serves as a reminder of the commemoration of the Declaration of Independence. This momentous occasion symbolizes the United States' separation from British rule and the birth of an incredible nation.

What are some common traditions and activities on Independence Day?

While people love to celebrate the day with fireworks, parades, and barbecues, giving gifts is also a popular activity. WOF Sports is your one-stop destination for buying America's most famous collectibles, LEGO. With this independence, you can enhance your friends, your, or a family member's collection with exclusive LEGO sets. With us, you can shop from City Space Lunar Roving Vehicle to City Space Lunar Space Station, which means anything. 

What are popular gifts for Independence Day 2023? 

Americans have a special knack for collectibles, and this summer, LEGO has come back to the trend. So, we recommend you try enhancing someone's collection by giving them a unique LEGO set, which you can buy from WOf Sports.

Are there any historical significance or events associated with Independence Day?

Yes, Independence Day marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The event declared the American colonies as an independent nation and ignited the American Revolution.

Is Independence Day a federal holiday in the United States?

Yes, Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States. It is a day off for many workers, government offices, and also businesses.