TODAY IN HISTORY: America declares independence from Great Britain (July 4, 1776)
Fireworks on July 4th
Posted July 4, 2018
On July 4, 1776, a defining moment in world history occurred as the thirteen American colonies officially broke ties with Great Britain. On this day, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, asserting the colonies’ right to self-governance and marking the birth of a new nation—the United States of America.
Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration boldly proclaimed that the colonies were no longer subjects of the British Empire but a free and independent country. The document outlined the colonists’ grievances against King George III and articulated a vision of governance based on liberty, equality, and the consent of the governed—a radical shift from the monarchy’s rule.
The Fourth of July has since become a national celebration, symbolizing freedom and the enduring American spirit. Every year, citizens commemorate the day with fireworks, parades, and festivities, honoring the revolution that sparked the creation of a nation rooted in the ideals of independence and democracy.