What Foreign Correspondents Should Know About July 4
As the Revolutionary War unfolded in the spring of 1775, the idea of complete independence from Great Britain was a radical notion embraced by only a few colonists. However, within a year, a growing hostility towards British rule and the dissemination of revolutionary sentiments began to change the tide. There were several pivotal moments leading to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, and the subsequent evolution of Independence Day as a cherished national holiday in the United States.
In the midst of the Revolutionary War, on June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, a Virginia delegate, proposed a motion for the colonies' independence during the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Although the vote on Lee's resolution was postponed, a committee of five men, including Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, was appointed to draft a formal statement justifying a break with Great Britain. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress overwhelmingly approved Lee's resolution, setting the stage for a historic declaration.
Two days later, on July 4th, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, predominantly written by Thomas Jefferson. While the actual vote for independence occurred on July 2nd, it was on the 4th that this momentous occasion became the focus of celebrations. John Adams, in a letter to his wife, envisioned the 2nd of July as a day to be commemorated with "Pomp and Parade" and joyful festivities across the continent.
During the summer of 1776, colonists celebrated the birth of independence through various means, including mock funerals for King George III, symbolizing the end of monarchical control and the triumph of liberty. The early celebrations featured concerts, parades, bonfires, and the resounding sounds of cannons and muskets. Philadelphia held the first annual commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, even as the war raged on.
As the Revolutionary War concluded, Americans continued to mark Independence Day each year, using celebrations to foster unity and allow emerging political leaders to address the nation. The Federalist Party and Democratic-Republicans, the two major political parties of the time, held separate Fourth of July events in major cities. The significance of the holiday further heightened during the War of 1812, when the United States once again confronted Great Britain.
Recognizing its significance, Congress declared July 4th a federal holiday in 1870, granting all federal employees a day off. Over time, Independence Day evolved into a symbol of patriotism and national pride, even as its political importance waned. The late 19th century witnessed a shift towards leisure activities, family gatherings, fireworks displays, and outdoor barbecues as integral components of the celebration.
