What is the History of the 4th of July?

To many of us, July 4th is the day we get off work to enjoy endless hotdogs, baseball games, fireworks, and parades.  Although we’re used to celebrating with American flags and patriotic convictions, many of us don’t know the history behind Independence Day.

Why We Celebrate Independence Day

In the 18th century, Americans fought the eight-year Revolutionary war to gain independence from Great Britain, the largest force in the world.  Because of unfair taxes and strict colonial rules, Americans wanted to break away from oppressive control and have their own sovereign state.  Considering the size and power of Great Britain at the time versus American’s under-trained and under-resourced military, historians often compare our success to a High School Football team winning the Super Bowl.

In 1776, the United States of America was divided into 13 separate colonies.  Thomas Jefferson, with a few of his colleagues, drafted a declaration stating that America wanted to separate from Great Britain, making each colony an independent state.  In it were listed various grievances by Great Britain’s ruler, King George III such as unfair levies, illegal use of force, and biased rule. 

An inspiring and commanding text, this declaration famously stated that Americans should have certain inalienable rights and that:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The document is known as America’s Declaration of Independence.  This text was approved by Congress on July 4th 1776.  Famous names like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock all signed the declaration making it official.

How We Celebrate and Why

Every year since that day, America has collectively celebrated its Independence.  We commemorate this historical event through barbecues, picnics, public gatherings, carnivals, and most of all – fireworks.

It gets lost on a lot of people how significant 4th of July is, and how much our ancestors struggled and sacrificed in order to gain independence.  Our success today as a country – as the economic powerhouse of the world – is a direct result of the efforts of early citizens taking a stand for what they believed in.

Today is an unstable time for America.  We have spent trillions on the war and our own resources are depleted as a result.  Our housing markets are in decline and millions have been forced from their homes by layoffs and foreclosures.  New world powers are rising like China, Russia, India, and Brazil, who are all looking to gain a larger stake in the world’s economy.  The work ethic outlined by our forefathers and the determination that led them through what most deemed impossible has hopefully resonated in the successive generations.

The Future of Independence Day

If we are anything like they were in the past, we have a great future still ahead of us.  Independence Day may be a time to celebrate previous accomplishments, but it is also a time to understand and appreciate the abilities that got us to where we are today – those which can propel us into a successful and vibrant future, despite the economic difficulties we face presently. 

When you are out with family and friends this 4th of July, take a moment to appreciate the freedom that so many people had to struggle to gain through sacrifice, steady resolve, and downright American tenacity.