Independence Day in the United States.
A bit of history
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the United States was not as we know it today, but the colonies of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, which were founded by British settlers and had political, constitutional and legal systems very similar to those of Britain.
After the Seven Years’ War Britain went bankrupt and taxed the colonies, creating discontent and causing rebellion.
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia unanimously approved the declaration of independence of the 13 Colonies of the United States, written mainly by Thomas Jefferson, to free themselves from the power of the British Empire.
Did you know that…
Although these Founding Fathers signed the document in the 1700s, Independence Day did not officially become a holiday until 1870, and became paid by the federal government in 1941.
There is more than one copy of the Declaration of Independence:
Although most people who see the document see the original on display at the National Archives in Washington, hundreds more were printed. These copies are known as the “Dunlop pamphlets“, after the shop owner who printed them, John Dunlop.
An impressive celebration
- Fourth of July Jam: Filadelfia, Pensilvania
The main attraction takes place once it gets dark at the Fourth of July Jam, held at the scenic Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Announced as “the largest free concert in the United States”, the artists who have participated include Nicki Minaj, The Roots and Sugarland.
What to eat?
Hamburgers, grilled chicken, ribs, ‘dips’ to accompany, summer salads, nachos, ‘snacks’ and ‘pretzels’ are some of the main foods of this celebration.
