Independence Day
Independence Day is regarded as the birthday of the United States as a free and independent nation. Most Americans simply call it the "Fourth of July," on which date it always falls.
The holiday recalls the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. At that time, the people of the 13 British colonies located along the eastern coast of what is now the United States were involved in a war over what they considered unjust treatment by the king and parliament in Britain. The war began in 1775. As the war continued, the colonists realized that they were fighting not just for better treatment; they were fighting for freedom from England's rule. The Declaration of Independence, signed by leaders from the colonies, stated this clearly, and for the first time in an official document the colonies were referred to as the United States of America.
It is a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks. The flying of the American flag (which also occurs on Memorial Day and other holidays) is widespread. On July 4, 1976, the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence was marked by grand festivals across the nation.
Independence Day 2001 commemorated the 225th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Background
- The Declaration of Independence (History Channel)
- Declaration of Independence: A History (National Archives and Records Administration)
- Facts for Features: The Fourth of July 2008 (U.S. Census Bureau)
- Fourth of July Celebrations (Library of Congress)
- The Star-spangled Banner (Smithsonian National Museum of American History)
- The United States Flag Page
- White House Independence Day Portal
Texts/Documents
Exhibits
- American Treasures of the Library of Congress: Star Spangled Banner
- American Treasures of the Library of Congress: Declaration of Independence
- Declaring Independence (Library of Congress)
- Independence National Historic Park, Philadelphia
- National Archives. Online Exhibit Hall: Declaration of Independence
For Kids
Teacher Resources
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