Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July in the United States?
- On July 4, 1776, delegates to the Second Continental Congress from the colonies officially adopted the Declaration of Independence.
- Two days earlier, on July 2, the Continental Congress had voted in favor of independence, but the signing of the Declaration of Independence made it official.
- From 1776 until today, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence.
- July 4th celebrations include fireworks, parades, and concerts, as well as informal family gatherings and barbecues.
- The Fourth of July is also known as Independence Day.
- Thomas Jefferson of Virginia wrote the Declaration of Independence.
- If you are interested in learning more about the Declaration of Independence you can read it here.
The original 13 colonies were considered British settlements on the Atlantic coast of America in the 17th and 18th centuries. They were under the rule of King George III of Britain.
Because the colonies were so far from Britain the King had problems governing them. Starting in 1764, the British government began to impose taxes on the colonists. This made them very angry and they began to rebel. On April 19, 1775 the colonists took up guns against the British and the American Revolutionary War started. It lasted for 8 years.
Independence Day is around the corner and with it the opportunity to make special crafts and recipes to celebrate as a family. Here is an option to honor the colors of our flag with these easy and fun to make apples.
