USA Independence Day, also known as July 4th, is the birthday of the United States of America. It is observed as a federal holiday commemorating the USA Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The day is special because it marks the time when the United States of America gained independence from Great Britain.
America annually celebrates its Independence Day on July 4th. It is the date when America turned into a free, independent state in 1776 – marking an end to Great Britain rule. Today, there is a federal holiday held to remember this important historical date.
When is USA Independence Day?
Independence Day in the United States – Sunday, 4 July
How old is America?
America got independence in 1776. Based on calculations, the United States of America is celebrating its 245th Anniversary of Independence on July 4 . It means America is 245 years old in the year %currentyear%.
| American Independence is a national holiday that takes place on the 4th of July and celebrates America’s freedom. It commemorates the adoption of the formal Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776. This landmark document decreed that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire and had become independent states. | |
| USA Independence Day: | Sunday, July 4 |
| Also called: |
American Independence Day – The Fourth of July
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| Significance: |
the adoption of the formal Declaration of Independence on July 4th 1776
|
| Observed by: | Americans |
| Celebrations: |
Parades, Fireworks, Parties, Feasting, Concerts, Entertainment Shows
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| Firework Timings: | 9:00 PM |
| Parade Timings: | 11:45 AM |
| Holiday Type: |
Federal – National
|
| Years of Independence: | 244 Years |
Before we take you to the detailed history and facts about USA Independence Day, here’s a quick and easy-to-understand summary of USA Independence Story:
Back in 1775, the thirteen American colonies rebelled against the control of Great Britain and sparked a war, known in the United States as the Revolutionary War. After a year of fighting, the Second Continental Congress took a vote and decided that it was time for the colonies to officially declare their independence from British rule. They wanted to be free and to be in charge of their own government.
On June 11, 1776, the Continental Congress appointed Thomas Jefferson, along with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, to write a document to explain why they were declaring their independence. This historic document called the Declaration of Independence established the legal separation of the 13 American colonies from the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Thomas Jefferson wrote most of it, but after some changes by the other members of the committee, they presented it to Congress on June 28. At first, not everyone agreed to vote for independence. They argued and debated the issue for days.
Finally, on July 2nd, the agreement to declare independence passed. Congress made a few changes to the words of the document, and two days later, on July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted.
Not only did the Declaration of Independence state that the colonies would no longer be under British Rule, but it also said that governments only exist for the good of the people they govern and that all people are equal.
Because July 4th is the day that the colonies said that they were free from Great Britain, the 4th of July is sometimes called America’s birthday.
Happy Independence Day – The 4th of July To All Americans!
The 4th of July is a day of great joy and celebrations throughout the US. It’s a day when the whole American nation pays special tribute to the ancient leaders and freedom fighters that struggled for the country’s independence from British rule.
Everyone celebrates the day with incredible spirit displaying patriotic zeal and fervor for their beloved nation – Great America! Heaps of people donning red, white and blue take to the streets for independence day walks and marches. Print broadcast and media have independence day programs to publicize. Special documentaries are likewise broadcasted on televisions and social media.
Firework shows are held throughout the country and are often accompanied by patriotic songs such as the American national anthem. In each of the states, there’s a gun salute fired by the military base. The family get-together, picnic, parties, parades, fireworks and a plethora of exciting fun events – make July 4th the best time of the year!
Section # 1: USA Independence History
The United States of America consisted of 13 colonies all of which were under British rule. These colonies included a collection of East Coast states – New Jersey, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, South Carolina, Virginia, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts Bay, and Providence Plantations.
All of these colonies were controlled by the British, who had been on the continent since 1857. In the beginning, the relationship between the British and the American colonists was pretty good, everything was going on in perfect manner – but soon there were disputes over heavy taxes imposed by the colonial masters and the British influence.
What happened next and how the USA gained its independence? Let’s readout below…
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Great Britain Gains Control Of America
Since the Europeans had discovered the Americas in the 1490s, they had been exploring, conquering, and colonizing the new continent for the next few centuries. By the 18th century, North America had been colonized by Britain and France.
In 1754, a war began between France and Britain over disputed territories in North America. It spilled over into a colonial war across the world and ultimately led to the British forces defeating the French who had been helped by several Native American tribes.
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Heavy Taxes Imposed On American Colonists
Great Britain had won the war but was left heavily in debt. At this time many generations had been living in America, this was their home. Britain decided to tax the American colonies for the first time but they refused to pay tax as they didn’t have representation in the British parliament by their rights as Englishmen.
Colonists refused representation to in Britain as being on the opposite side of the Atlantic made it a little impractical. American colonists began to boycott British goods. The British Parliament repeated the Stamp Act but maintained it should govern over its colonies in America.
The British decided to increase taxes to be paid on customs duty for imported British goods such as tea, paper, paint, lead, and glass – all of the main things which the Americans were reliant on. This angered more and more colonists.
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Rise Of Tensions Between The British and American Colonists
4,000 British troops were sent to Massachusetts to try and threaten the people of Boston. Tensions ran high in March 1770 as five colonists were killed by British soldiers during a heated incident. Word of the Boston Massacre was spread around the 13 British colonies and outrage ensued.
In 1773, Britain tried to import and sell un-taxed tea for the East India Company. Because Britain was trying to monopolize the tea, the Americans held the ships in Boston and didn’t allow them to unload. On December 6th, a group known as the Sons of Liberty disguised as Native Americans boarded the ships and dumped the tea into the sea and what became known as the Boston Tea Party.
In 1774, Britain punished Massachusetts with a series of acts to control the colony and place its own royal governor to take charge. But the people set up their own provincial Congress. Britain took control of Boston but the Americans had control of the countryside as they began organizing and training militias.
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American Patriot Leaders Unite Together For The Independence Of USA
American patriot leaders from 12 of the 13 colonies came together and convened the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. They petitioned the king wanting to be rid of the taxes and the royal governors, telling them about the issues they are facing under Great Britain rule. The British response, however, was more and more regulations, restrictions and an increased army presence!
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Disputes Between The British Army and American Militia
In February 1775, Massachusetts was declared being a state of rebellion by the British Parliament. By April, the British commander Lieutenant General Thomas Gage was ordered to disarm the rebels and arrest their leaders. Paul Revere and other riders rode through the night ahead of the British forces to warn the leaders in Lexington and Concord.
By the time the British reached Lexington, the militia was waiting for them. The first shots were fired and the militiamen fell back to Concord. The British followed them to be met by 500 militiamen. The overwhelmed British forces fell back in retreat and the war had begun. The militia chased them back to Boston and besieged the city.
The Second Continental Congress of all the colonies came together to organize the war effort. The militias were to be reorganized into the Continental Army with congressman George Washington appointed as the General.
The 13 colonies organized revolutionary governments and began to expel the royal governors, taking control for themselves. British reinforcements led by General William Howe landed across from Boston and captured the Charleston Peninsula in the Battle of Bunker Hill, but they were unable to break the siege.
The king of England issued a proclamation of rebellion urging the British forces to quell the Patriots. They began recruiting from Britain and Ireland and even hired Hessian mercenaries from the Holy Roman Empire.
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General Washington Comes To America’s Rescue
General Washington arrived at the siege of Boston the following month to take charge. Despite a shortage of munitions and gunpowder, the siege lasted through the autumn and winter. The British failed badly to press any advantage.
By March 1776, General Washington had gathered cannons and placed them on the hills overlooking Boston. The British chose to evacuate and head for Halifax in Nova Scotia, knowing it would make a great naval base for the British. General Washington moved his forces down to New York City to defend it. General Howe British forces landed close by on Staten Island in June.
After a few weeks, the Declaration of Independence was signed and America gained independence from Great Britain.
Section # 2: The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a document written and signed in 1776 that declared America’s independence from England.
On June 11, 1776, the Continental Congress selected Thomas Jefferson, alongside Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, to compose a document to clarify why they were pronouncing their freedom.
This document called the Declaration of Independence declared that the thirteen colonies were to be recognized as no longer part of the British Empire and they were to become known as a new nation – the United States of America.
Why was it written?
It was written because Americans wanted freedom and England was oppressing the colonies. The king of England George III was doing what monarchs do best which is being a tyrant and the Declaration says the history of the present king of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over the states.
There were two options – either the Americans had to give in to the oppression or stand against it and break free from England’s control and needless to say they chose the latter. They would rather die fighting for freedom than live under a tyrants control and so the Declaration of Independence was written, signed and delivered to the king himself.
What did the USA Independence Declaration say?
First, it laid out the spiritual convictions that form the basis for their reasoning. It said that they believe that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life liberty and the pursuit of happiness and that to secure these rights, Government are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed – That whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute the new Government.
So it laid out five incredibly profound principles that lay the foundation for their opposition to tyranny:
- All men are created equal
- Our rights come from God
- Every person has the God-given right to live, be free, and own property
- The purpose of government is to protect our God-given rights
- When government fails to protect our rights and instead and fringes on them, the people have the responsibility to abolish that government and to institute a new government that actually fulfills its rightful purpose.
Then it listed 27 ways the King of England has overstepped his God-given authority, he’s being a tyrant, had overstepped his rightful authority and because of this we have the responsibility to oppose him and we choose to establish ourselves as an independent nation free from England’s control.
And then after listing those grievances, it ended by saying we have done everything we could to avoid war to avoid declaring our independence but England is unwilling to cooperate, continues to oppress us and we are therefore forced to declare our independence and we are prepared to do whatever is necessary to defend our independence as a free nation.
The USA Gains Independence From Great Britain on Thursday, July 4th, 1776!
At last, on July 2nd, the document “Declaration of Independence” was passed. Congress rolled out some minor changes to the words of the document, and after two days, on July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted.
Not exclusively did the Declaration of Independence expressed that the colonies would never again be under English Rule, it said that governments exist for the benefit of the general population they govern and that all individuals are equivalent.
Since July fourth is the day that the American colonies said that they were independent from Great Britain, the fourth of July is also called America’s birthday. Every year since then, USA Independence Day has been celebrated on July 4th, with parades, music, gun salutes, cannon fire, and fireworks.
*Even after gaining independence, USA still remained in the phase of American Revolution. The Revolutionary War against Great Britain continued until 1783, officially ending with the Treaty of Paris.
Section # 3: USA Independence Day Celebrations
Every year, the whole American nation comes together to observe their nation’s birthday on July 4th. Independence Day is celebrated with great patriotic zeal and fervor. There are grand celebrations throughout the country, and thousands of people donning red, white, and blue head out for some super exciting summertime activities with their loved ones.
Towns and cities across the US all organize grand celebrations for American Independence Day, which includes parades, concerts, game shows, and fireworks display.
While fireworks are the staple of July 4th festivities, horse races, entertainment shows, concerts, music festivals, summer fun activities, and outdoor BBQ and bonfire parties are also a major part of the celebrations. Many politicians also appear at these public events to join in the celebrations and praise the nation’s history, heritage, and people.
Let’s get into the US Independence Day festivities and learn the celebratory customs, traditions, and observances related to this historic day…
The Nation’s Most Loved Holiday
July 4th is America’s favorite national holiday. The day is a federal holiday, which means a huge percentage of the population gets the day off and in turn, many private-public institutes, schools, offices, and postal services shut down. This is a perfect time for family, friends and loved ones to enjoy together or head for a memorable picnic.
Independence Day Fireworks
Fireworks are the staple of American Independence Day celebrations. With an estimated 15,000 displays throughout the country, every year around 24 million pounds of explosives are denoted for displays.
The nation never feels tired of observing the colorful sky with surprising “oohs” and “aahs” of appreciation. The breathtaking fireworks are often accompanied by different patriotic songs and American national anthem.
In 1777, on the 1st anniversary of US’ independence, the nation marked the day with fireworks, starting the tradition that has immensely grown over the recent 200 years. John Adams, who is known for introducing this tradition, would undoubtedly be fascinated with today’s pyrotechnic shows.
Independence Day Parades
There are American freedom day parades throughout the country. The parades are often held in the morning, before a street audience of a huge number of onlookers. The parades exhibit the military strength and comprise of invited bands, floats, fife and drum corps, special military units, huge balloons, drill teams, national dignitaries, and VIP participants such as some famous celebrities or politicians.
The parades draw the attention of Americans to the genuine significance for the occasion. It is an energetic, flag-waving, red white and blue festival of America’s birthday.
Canon Salutes on July 4th
Another common tradition associated with USA independence day is the firing of a canon gun on July 4th. In all the US states, there’s a salute of one gun, called “salute to the union”, fired on Independence Day at noon by the American military bases.
Picnics & Entertainment Activities
A majority of the people celebrate America’s birthday by hosting dinners or attending family get-togethers. Many take the full advantage of the day off and, sometimes a long weekend to enjoy with friends and loved ones.
Many families head to recreation spots for a lovely picnic, appreciating the firework displays at night, and enjoying outdoor BBQ. The commercial streets are overcrowded with patriotic Americans – donning red, white, blue and carrying the national flags. Other celebratory customs include parties, concerts, and game shows.
Section # 3: USA Independence Day 4th of July – Latest Updates & Fireworks Timings
Americans are celebrating their independence day on Sunday, July 4th. Have a look at the latest news regarding the celebrations and parade timings for America’s 244th Anniversary of Independence.
Salute to America
The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has announced one of the biggest American gatherings in the history of Washington, D.C., on July 4th. The event has been named “Salute to America” and is scheduled to take place at the Lincoln Memorial.
The country’s largest Independence Day Parade will kick start the event at 11:45 am in the morning and the parade will run until 2:00 pm. There will be the largest display of fireworks, followed by family-friendly entertainment shows, and an address to the nation by President Donald Trump.
Macy’s Firework
The 43rd Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will honor America’s Birthday live from New York City. It is going to be the largest fireworks display with more than 75,000 shells and effects launched from seven barges from the Easter River, accompanied by a band playing the special rendition of “God Bless America”.
The fireworks will start at 9:25 pm and will be attended by over 3 million live spectators along the shores of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn in New York City, and more than 12 million television viewers nationwide will be entertained by a stunning display of color, shape, light, and sound, celebrating the USA Independence Day .
Timings For 4th of July Fireworks on USA Independence Day
The most common timings for the firework shows in all the states of the US on 4th of July is 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm. Visitors are recommended to reach the firework areas by 8:30 pm to grab the best-viewing spots.
Section # 5: Wishing Happy USA Independence Day To Your Loved Ones
The 4th of July American Independence Day is the year’s greatest event for all the Americans. This special day reminds Americans of their forefathers who struggled for the independence of the nation and gifted their next generation with a “separate, free” homeland. The day is also special because it marks the United States’ independence from Great Britain and an end to colonial rule.
On Independence Day, it’s common among the Americans to wishing each other a Happy Independence Day. For this reason, we bring you the latest independence day wishes, quotes, and greetings. Share with your loved ones and celebrate American Independence Day with an increased spirit of patriotism!
USA Independence Day Wishes: Celebrate America’s Birthday With These Sweet Patriotic Wishes Messages!
- May the American tricolor always fly high. Sending you warm wishes on the grand occasion of this Independence Day!
- Let us all be proud of our beloved nation. Let’s unite together to make America vibrant, strong, and supreme. Wishing you a Happy USA Independence Day!
- Feel the pride of being a part of such a Great Nation. Here’s sending my warm patriotic wishes to make this day truly memorable. Happy American Independence Day!
- Freedom in the mind, Confidence in the words, Pride in our souls and Patriotic Spirits in our body. Let’s salute this Great Nation on this 4th of July!
- Carried with care, coated with pride, Dunked in love, Fly in glory, Moment of complete freedom in shade of delight. Glad to be an American. Happy Independence Day to you all!
- It makes my heart beat with great pride, to see the beautiful fireworks of Independence Day spreading joy and incredible delights all around. May the greatness of Freedom Day be with your eternity.
- May the sun in its course – Visit no land all the more free, more happy, more successful and all the more flawless, Than this our very own nation – Happy 4th of July to all the Americans!
- It’s a great feeling to be an American. Let’s spread the cheer all over!
- Utmost respect and sincere gratitude to the veterans of the United States for all your service. God Bless the USA. Happy 244 years of independence!
- Happy Independence Day everyone! Thank you to our veterans and current service men and women! But most of all thank you to all the ones that paid the ultimate price for our freedom! We are, and always will be the greatest nation in the world!
USA Independence Day Greetings: A Beautiful Collection Of Patriotic Greetings For America’s 245th Birthday!
- Independence day reminds me of our freedom and how blessed we are to live in this great country! God Bless the USA!
- Happy Independence Day from me and family. Enjoy your FREEDOM and make the most of it!
- Today isn’t about pool parties and picnics. It’s a true celebration of a nation that so many have sacrificed for! Thank you to our service men and women past and present who have allowed us to enjoy our HOME and all of its freedoms! Happy Independence Day the USA!
- To my fellow Americans, I wish all of you a Happy Independence Day with two things to remember: Remember our enemies are not each other, but those who try to destroy us and remember the sacrifices that have made us free. A heartfelt thanks to all who have bled & died for the USA!
- Every day, and especially on Independence Day I reflect on how proud I am to be an American. Happy #IndependenceDay to all of you celebrating patriots around our country. Happy 244rd Birthday USA!
- Happy Independence Day fellow Americans! Blessed to live in the greatest country on earth! God bless the USA!
- As a proud American, I can sum up what I love most about America in just one word: “Freedom!” Happy Independence Day to the USA and to all it’s citizens!
- Happy Independence Day everyone! There ain’t no doubt I love this land! God Bless The USA.
- Happy Independence Day! We are blessed to live in USA. May we always protect & preserve our freedoms 4 future generations. God Bless America!
- Best USA Independence Day Greetings. Today we celebrate our great country and honor those who make us free.
USA Independence Day Wishing Messages Quotes: A List Of Best Messages To Send To Your Loved Ones On America’s Birthday!
- Happy American Independence. America is turning 244 years old this year. Happy Birthday America. We Love You!
- Happy Independence Day, America. I feel honored to call this country home. God bless the USA!
- Sending lovely Independence Day wishes to all my American friends. Let us come together today in gratitude and remember what unites us.
- A reminder this Fourth of July: Your President is Donald Trump who is making America Great Again – Happy Independence Day!
- Happy Independence Day I am so grateful to the United States and its people. This is the country that has given me the opportunity to work hard and succeed and be able to fulfill all of my dreams. America is the land of opportunity and today we celebrate you. Happy 4th of July.
- God bless America! Thank you to those who serve and protect our country. Thank you to our diverse citizenry who make the USA special.
- HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY USA. May freedom forever ring & may ole glory forever fly! Now let’s party like it’s 1776 #happy4thofjuly
- Thank you, God, for giving us the greatest country in the history of the world! God bless America! Happy Independence Day everyone!
Happy American Independence Day Lines: God Bless America!
- To one of the strongest loves I have… Happy Birthday America. Happy Independence Day. God bless our Freedom, and God bless the *patriots* who have protected it with their hearts and their souls.
- Happy American Independence Day! Wherever you are – and whatever you are doing today – I hope you have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable Fourth. We are truly blessed to live in this nation and receive the abundance of opportunities America provides. Never take those for granted.
- Happy Birthday to America! We live in the land of the free because of the brave! Have a safe 4th of July, God bless America!
- Free to play and work! Grateful to those who guard the peace we enjoy at home. Grateful to those who began this great experiment we call America! Happy Independence Day!
- Happy Independence Day! May God bless you & your family, our women & men in uniform, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
- Happy Independence Day to all the Americans. #OTD in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring that the 13 American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation, the United States of America, & was no longer part of the British Empire.
American Independence Day Quotes: The Best Freedom Quotes From Ancient American Heroes For July 4th!
- “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis
- “Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
- “Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all! By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.” – John Dickinson
- “Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” – Benjamin Franklin
- “The winds that blow through the wide sky in these mounts, the winds that sweep from Canada to Mexico, from the Pacific to the Atlantic – have always blown on free men.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” – Lee Greenwood
- “You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.” – Erma Bombeck
United States of America Independence Day: Top 20+ Interesting Facts
- American Independence is a national holiday observed on the 4th of July to celebrate America’s freedom.
- The 4th of July holiday in America commemorates the adoption of the formal Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.
- This Declaration of Independence document decreed that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire and had become independent states.
- The Declaration came about thanks to Richard Henry Lee of Virginia who proposed its creation. Founding father John Adams advanced the idea of a manuscript and the committee of five led by chief author Thomas Jefferson composed the written draft.
- The final edited version of the Declaration of Independence was approved on July 4th.
- George Washington served as the first President of the independent USA.
- The city of Philadelphia first laid the groundwork for today’s celebrations with fireworks, speeches, music, parades, and displays of red, white, and blue.
- Eventually, in 1938, the celebration became a paid federal holiday. Old traditions continue as well, for example, at military bases a 50-gun salute is fired to commemorate the independence of each of the 50 states.
- July 4th Day is a prominent summertime event, marked by shows of patriotism, outdoor activities, and tributes. There are also parades in the morning and fireworks displays at night, plus the national anthem and other patriotic songs take center stage.
- The holiday has become so popular, the first week of July is the busiest time of the year for travel in the United States as Americans extend the long weekend to celebrate the birth of America – a defining moment in American history.
- Out of all signers of the Declaration of Independence, 7 were Harvard graduates.
- There were only two signers of the Declaration of Independence who later served as President of the United States. They were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
- The USA White House held its first 4th of July celebration in 1801.
- Three of the first five presidents died on July 4th Independence Day Holiday. Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826. Very strangely, two other US presidents, John Adams, and James Monroe, also died on July 4. Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on July 3, within hours of each other!
- The 30th president of America, Calvin Coolidge, was born on July 4, 1872.
- Every 4th of July the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is just tapped – not actually rung – 13 times in honor of the original thirteen American colonies.
- The thirteen stars on the original American flag were in a circle so that all the thirteen colonies could appear equal.
- This year in, America will celebrate its 244th Year of Independence.
- Today, over 350 million Americans celebrate Independence Day.
- 104 years after the Declaration of Independence, July 4 was made an official holiday by Congress in 1870.
- Fireworks are a staple of American Independence Day celebrations.
- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, over 155 million hot dogs are eaten on July 4th in America.
- Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as America’s national bird but he was overruled by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who finalized the bald eagle.