4th of July in America

4TH OF JULY IN AMERICA

We have all heard about the great 4th of July in America. It appears on plenty of films as a common celebration. But have you ever wondered why is this date so important? I didn't know the story behind this holiday until last term in history class, where I was told the true story. In essence, this is a date that commemorates a historic event that led to America as we know it today. 

 What is the 4th of July?

Also known as Independence day, it is the annual celebration of nationhood, which celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced the political separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain.

Before the declaration, America was part of the British Empire. In the 1600s, settlers from Britain founded 13 colonies in North America: Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.

People living in the colonies didn't have the living conditions they wanted. Native Americans didn't have the same rights as British people - they were treated badly, and even used as slaves. Colonists had to pay taxes on items such as tea and allow British soldiers to stay in their homes. They didn't even have a parliament. When they decided to start a revolution, the Revolutionary War began in 1775. During this period, they gained the support from other countries (like France), until they achieved independence on July 4, 1776.

CELEBRATION

Most Americans still celebrate Independence Day, often with parades and fireworks. This day, some families will get together to share a meal. BBQs and cookouts are also very common, and Americans will usually have some hamburgers and hot dogs on this day. Cities hold parades and lots of fireworks displays. The colors of the festivity are red, white and blue, as shown in the American flag.