Independence Day

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is the annual celebration of nationhood in the United States. It commemorates the Continental Congress's adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain on July 2 but did not finish revising the Declaration of Independence, which had been drafted by Thomas Jefferson in consultation with fellow committee members John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and William Livingston, until two days later. The initial celebration was modeled after the king's birthday, which was marked annually by bell ringing, bonfires, solemn processions, and oratory. Such festivals had long been important in the Anglo-American political tradition. Especially in the 17th and 18th centuries, when dynastic and religious controversies wracked the British Empire (and much of the rest of Europe), the choice of which historical events were celebrated and which were mourned had clear political implications. Toasting the king and other patriot-heroes—or criticizing them—became an informal type of political speech, which was formalized in the mid-18th century when toasts given at taverns and banquets began to be reprinted in newspapers.

Why do Americans light fireworks on the Fourth of July?

John Adams had nothing to do with fireworks being connected with patriotic gatherings.

Patriots utilized such celebrations in the 1760s and 1770s to oppose Parliament's policies and praise King George III as the true champion of English rights. In many cities, the first days of independence were celebrated with a fake burial for the king, whose "death" symbolized the end of monarchy and tyranny and the rebirth of liberty.

Early republicans celebrated Independence Day with parades, oratory, and toasting. These rites were important to the growing federal government. Leaders and constituents might link local and national elections to independence and national issues with the growth of informal political parties. In most bigger towns during the mid-1790s, the two young political parties held separate Independence Day festivities. Independence Day set the model for (often brief) political celebrations, such as George Washington's birthday and Jefferson's inauguration anniversary (1801–09).

The grandiose language that marked Independence Day in the 19th century made it both serious and susceptible to ridicule, much like the increasingly popular and democratic political process. The Fourth of July became a patriotic tradition that many groups, not just political parties, wanted to claim. Abolitionists, women's rights campaigners, temperance advocates, and anti-immigrant (nativist) activists hijacked the day and its observance, stating they couldn't celebrate with the community while their rights were perverted.

Fourth of July became a major midsummer holiday as leisure increased. Heavy drinking and fireworks accidents sparked a Safe and Sane Fourth of July campaign in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Independence Day's political importance waned in the late 20th century, although retaining a national holiday highlighted by parades, patriotic music concerts, and fireworks displays. It's a symbol of national might and particularly American traits like staying home to grill.

Now , it's time to start having some fun! With a thoughtful present from GiftPals commemorating the Fourth of July, you can let those you care about know how much you value and appreciate them.