July 4 is one of the most important days of the year in America. It is Independence Day and is celebrated to commemorate that on July 4, 1776, the 13 colonies achieved independence from Great Britain through the Continental Congress.
Origin of the celebration of July 4
In the 18th century Britain had 13 colonies in North America : New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. All these colonies were part of the territories of Great Britain in the “New World.”
After the Seven Years’ War and the signing of the Treaty of Paris between France, Spain and Great Britain in 1763, the latter was left in a very delicate position economically. This was what motivated him to impose a series of taxes on the colonies that were very unpopular and that laid the foundations for the rebellion.
One of the events that had the most impact was the Boston Tea Riot on December 6, 177 3. This caused the UK Government to react by sending soldiers to the colonies. In addition, a series of laws were passed that gave more power to the British military and officials.
On June 7, 1776, attorney Henry Lee presented a motion to declare independence in the chamber. A committee with Thomas Jefferson at the helm was created to make a declaration of independence, and the final version was presented on June 28, 1776.
The vote for independence was won on July 2, although the document was not printed until July 4, Independence Day in the United States.
However, the Declaration of Independence did not end the war that the colonies had with Great Britain. The end of the conflict came on September 3, 1783.
4th of July celebration
It is a National Holiday in the US and shows and parades are held in many cities. The most important of all is the parade in Washington DC, the country’s capital.
Fireworks are the main stars of the party. It all started in the year 1777 in Philadelphia, when an event with 13 fireworks was organized in honor of the 13 colonies.
Americans also have a habit of eating hot dogs. A popular contest is held on Coney Island , where the winner is whoever can eat the most hot dogs.
