Independence Day, also known as the 4th of July, is one of the most important dates for US citizens as it celebrates the very origins of the nation.
It is a time of coming together, festivals and remembrance, with it dating back over 200 years of to the foundations of America’s violent and inspiring birth.
Most Brits may only be familiar with the event from film and TV, and that Will Smith movie from the 1990s, and its sequel.
However, it is an incredibly important time, not just for the US, but also the UK as it commemorates a time that changed the course of history and set in motion the most successful modern country in the world.
What is Independence Day?
Independence Day, is celebrated on July 4 in the United States and is a time for the country to honour their very notion of national identity.
It commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
This was the date the US was founded as a wholly independent nation and separated from the British Empire.
This was not the end of the conflict though, as the British Empire contested this for seven years in the war for independence until 1783.
What happened on July 4?
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress in America voted in favour of independence from the British Empire.
The Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and other members of the committee including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and William Livingston.
It was finally passed two days later, officially making the US a country, though then it only consisted on 13 former colonies on the east coast.
It wasn’t until 1959 when the last two states joined – Alaska and Hawaii.
There are now 50 states in the US, with the entire nation being the most powerful in the world.
It particularly flourished over the course of the 20th century, following World War 2 when it established itself as the new dominating superpower, taking the place of the British Empire which was devastated during the war.
Do other countries celebrate Independence Day?
Naturally, the UK doesn’t take part in celebrations for obvious reasons.
However, many countries have their own Independence Days, though they are unrelated to the US one.
Unsurprisingly, many are in celebration of leaving the British Empire’s rule, with most of the Commonwealth having national holidays to commemorate this.
These include Canada Day (July 1), Australia Day (January 26), Freedom Day for South Africa (April 27), and so on.
