Happy Independence Day!

Independence Day is a holiday in the United States, although many nations have a holiday where they celebrate independence from another nation, to celebrate America’s independence from Great Britain and the creation of the United States.  The holiday is often called The Fourth of July and is set on the day when the Declaration of Independence was published declaring independence from Great Britain in 1776.

The Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775, when the New England states began fighting British forces over their objection to Parliament's taxation policies and lack of colonial representation.  As the war expanded, the national congress of the 13 colonies voted in secret to declare independence from Great Britain, and on July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed.

As one would expect when fighting the British at this time (the world’s most successful military power), the United States struggled to claim its independence via a military campaign.  However, on October 19, 1781, the British would surrender during the Siege of Yorktown and the fighting would come to an end in the colonies.  Thanks to America’s ally, the French, and a massive resolve to become independent, the United States would be formed as a nation.

September 3, 1783, made the British surrender official as both sides signed the Treaty of Paris and the United States could officially call themselves a free nation.  Today the holiday is celebrated through picnics, BBQs, festivals, and of course fireworks.