The Fourth of July is one of America’s biggest holidays as it includes fireworks and parades across the USA. The Independence Day is celebrated in the United States of America on July 4.
The United States got its Independence on July 4, 1776. The event in 1776 eventually led to the formation of the United States of America, and the original copy of the Declaration of Independence is housed in the National Archives in Washington DC.
July 4 has been designated a national holiday to commemorate the day the United States laid down its claim to be a free and independent nation.
History behind US Independence Day
The tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution, when Americans broke away from being ruled by the British, who had been on the continent since the 16th Century.
At the time America was divided into 13 colonies; New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Providence, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Carolina and Georgia, with citizens paying tax to Britain.
On July 2, 1776, during the second year of the American Revolutionary War (1775–83), representatives from 13 North American colonies of the kingdom of Great Britain, known as Colonies’ Second Continental Congress, voted to declare themselves independent from the crown, forming the United States of America.
Two days after the historic vote, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed – a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
How will the celebration take place this year?
However, this year, due to coronavirus, celebrations will look a little different, with social distancing restrictions in place and many events cancelled due to gathering size restrictions and local public health guidance.
Fireworks celebrations from Massachusetts to Florida to California have been cancelled and experts are advising people to watch the firework displays in their community from the safety of their car.
