Let Us Never Forget July 4, 1776!

The establishment of July 4 as the day to celebrate independence refers to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress of the United States on July 4, 1776. This historic document proclaimed the independence of the thirteen American colonies from British rule, marking a crucial moment in the American Revolution.

The roots of the American Revolution can be traced back to growing tensions between the American colonies and the British government. The colonists had been increasingly discontented with British policies and taxes imposed on them without their consent. These grievances led to protests, boycotts, and ultimately armed conflict.

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced a resolution in the Continental Congress proposing the colonies' independence from Britain. The Congress appointed a committee, known as the Committee of Five, to draft a formal declaration to explain and justify the colonies' decision to sever ties with Great Britain. The committee consisted of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman.

Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, wrote the document over the course of several weeks. It underwent revisions and editing by the committee and was presented to Congress on June 28, 1776. After further debates and revisions, the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The Declaration of Independence not only declared the colonies' independence but also articulated the principles of individual rights, self-government, and popular sovereignty. It proclaimed that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The news of the Declaration's adoption quickly spread throughout the colonies, and celebrations erupted in various forms, including public readings of the document, parades, bonfires, and the firing of cannons. In subsequent years, the Fourth of July became a significant date for patriotic festivities and a symbol of American independence.

It's important to note that while July 4, 1776, is widely regarded as the date of American independence, it took several years of war and negotiations before Britain formally recognized the United States as an independent nation with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Nonetheless, July 4 remains a cherished national holiday in the United States, known as Independence Day, commemorating the birth of the nation and celebrating the ideals of freedom and democracy.The establishment of July 4 as the day to celebrate independence refers to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress of the United States on July 4, 1776. This historic document proclaimed the independence of the thirteen American colonies from British rule, marking a crucial moment in the American Revolution.

The roots of the American Revolution can be traced back to growing tensions between the American colonies and the British government. The colonists had been increasingly discontented with British policies and taxes imposed on them without their consent. These grievances led to protests, boycotts, and ultimately armed conflict.

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced a resolution in the Continental Congress proposing the colonies' independence from Britain. The Congress appointed a committee, known as the Committee of Five, to draft a formal declaration to explain and justify the colonies' decision to sever ties with Great Britain. The committee consisted of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman.

Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, wrote the document over the course of several weeks. It underwent revisions and editing by the committee which engaged in intense debates and discussions before the final adoption of the document. Some of the primary points of discussion and areas of debate among the committee members included:

Language and Style: The committee debated the precise wording and tone of the document. Thomas Jefferson, as the primary author, wrote the initial draft, but it underwent significant revisions and edits. The committee discussed the clarity, power, and persuasiveness of the language to ensure the document effectively conveyed their arguments for independence.

Justification for Independence: The committee debated the philosophical and legal basis for declaring independence from Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson drew heavily from Enlightenment ideals and natural rights theory in his draft, asserting that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and that people have the right to alter or abolish oppressive governments. The committee deliberated on how to present these ideas convincingly and debated the inclusion of specific grievances against the British crown.

Slavery and the Slave Trade: Slavery was a contentious issue among the committee members. Thomas Jefferson included a paragraph in his initial draft that condemned the slave trade, but it was later removed after facing opposition from other committee members, particularly those from Southern states. The committee compromised to maintain unity among the colonies, and the issue of slavery was not directly addressed in the final draft.

The Role of the Colonies: The committee discussed the relationship between the colonies and the newly formed independent states. They debated the balance between individual rights and the collective power of the states. The final draft emphasized the unity of the colonies and their transition from British subjects to free and independent states.

Editing and Revisions: The committee engaged in detailed editing and revisions throughout the drafting process. Each member contributed their ideas and suggestions to refine the document. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and the other committee members made significant contributions to clarify certain sections, improve the flow of the text, and strengthen the arguments presented.

It's important to note that the discussions and debates within the Committee of Five were not limited to these points alone. The entire document underwent revisions and amendments within Congress before its final adoption. The committee's goal was to create a document that could effectively persuade the American colonies, foreign nations, and future generations of the justness and necessity of American independence.

They presented their final document for adoption to Congress on June 28, 1776. After further debates and revisions, the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The Declaration of Independence not only declared the colonies' independence but also articulated the principles of individual rights, self-government, and popular sovereignty. It proclaimed that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The news of the Declaration's adoption quickly spread throughout the colonies, and celebrations erupted in various forms, including public readings of the document, parades, bonfires, and the firing of cannons. In subsequent years, the Fourth of July became a significant date for patriotic festivities and a symbol of American independence.

It's important to note that while July 4, 1776, is widely regarded as the date of American independence, it took several years of war and negotiations before Britain formally recognized the United States as an independent nation with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Nonetheless, July 4 remains a cherished national holiday in the United States, known as Independence Day, commemorating the birth of the nation and celebrating the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Happy Independence Day, America!