Independence Day :: The Fourth of July

July 4th is the perfect time to let your abundance of patriotism shine. Read on to find out how the United States of America came to be the country you have grown to love.

History

In the beginning of United States' history, 13 colonies were ruled by the King of England, King George III. These colonies were tired of having a king 3,000 miles away across the Atlantic Ocean. Two acts of defiance made history. Tea was purposely dumped into the Massachusetts Bay (this event, known as the Boston tea party, was in reaction by the people to England raising their taxes), and in Boston harbor, British soldiers fired into a crowd after being jeered and stoned. The number of people killed was exaggerated (only a few people died), but the event became known as the Massacre.

The Big Vote

Virginia took the first step and voted to set up a group to represent the colonies. The first meeting was in 1774 and a draft of a document that would give them freedom from England was written. This document, called the Declaration of Independence, was considered treason and the 56 men who signed it were in some serious danger of being executed. But, they stood by what they believed in - the right to independence.

The First Fourth of July

Things didn't happen overnight. It took years for the final draft of the Declaration to be written. At the same time The American Revolution was taking place. The draft was finally accepted on July 4, 1776. Over the next month, the document was read to the public and people celebrated whenever they heard it. In 1783 the war finally ended and Independence Day was made an official holiday.

Celebrations

Every July 4th, Americans have a day off work and stuff themselves full of food at picnics. There are activities in the afternoon including baseball games, music and more food. Some cities have parades. Then, at dusk, people watch fireworks displays. This is one birthday celebration you don't want to miss.

Interesting United States Facts

There are more plastic lawn flamingos in the US than real ones.

According to NASA, the US has the world's most violent weather. In an average year, the US can expect about 10,000 really bad thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, and several hurricanes.

The most popular fruit in the states is the banana. The average person eats 33 pounds of bananas every year.

The Liberty Bell wasn't made in the US and wasn't rung on the first Independence Day. It was actually made in London in 1752, cracked in 1835 and wasn't named Liberty until the 1830s, in memory of slaves pursuing their freedom.

I'm going to Florida for the Fourth of July.
Kidz Submit by:
Nickname: peaches5220
Age:16

This 4th of July I'll be spendin' the day with my family and then at night goin' to watch the fireworks with my boyfriend and his older sister. I hope there will be fireworks between me and my boyfriend too!
Kidz Submit by:
Nickname: miahamm9
Age:13

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Read more: Behind the Holiday