Explore some of the treasures of the British Library or discover more about our history, collection and architecture on a tour of the public areas of the Library. We offer a range of events and group workshops for people with additional needs and disabilities. The Fourth of July is a perfect time to read the Declaration of Independence that not only heralded the American Revolution, but also provided the most powerful and enduring formulation of the American aspirations for freedom and equality. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress. The document announced the separation of the 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. The vote actually took place on July 2 and was approved by 12 colonies (with New York abstaining). Happy 4 th of July! Happy Independence Day! In between watching alien movies, grilling hot dogs, and shooting off some fireworks, we tend to take a moment to remember it as the day we officially became our own country when the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the Continental Congress. Discover what's on at the Library. We have five-star exhibitions, events and courses, family activities, free galleries and tours. Explore our free workshops and activities for schools, available in London, Leeds and online. Start-up, protect or grow your business. The July 4 printing had included only the names of John Hancock and Charles Thomson, and even though the first printing had been promptly circulated to the states, the names of subsequent signers were kept secret for a time because of fear of British reprisals. Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th by Americans all over the world. It is a federal holiday, so most Americans don’t have to go to work. After having picnics and barbecues throughout the day, Americans light up the night skies with fireworks. On July 4th, Americans demonstrate their patriotism. They are proud of their country and their freedom. What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than. all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which lie is the constant victim. On the fourth of July each year, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event. Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire but now the United States of America. In preparation for this patriotic observance, take a read of the Declaration of Independence (printed as an appendix to the Pocket Constitution) or Search through 16,491 historic newspaper archives to do genealogy and family history. Find obituaries, marriage and birth announcements, and other local and national news for over 9.3 billion people! The Signers of the Declaration The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Most of the delegates to the Second Continental Congress signed the document on August 2, 1776. By putting their names on this paper, these men risked losing everything if the British won the American Revolution. Even though the Americans won, some of these men suffered severely by supporting A Fourth of July Reading List Books for We the People. Fireworks not included. Use code JUL04 to enjoy 30% off this Independence Day reading list. Editorial Staff 1 July 2025 1 min This page lists events from Britain's past that occurred 'on this day.' (Find out what happened today 4th July, in this summary of a history of the British Isles.) In 1779, the Fourth of July fell on Sunday and was to be celebrated on the fifth in New Haven. Although the seaport was a center of privateering, and the British considered Yale a hotbed of sedition, Connecticut’s co-capital had been spared from attack. Suddenly, early on July 5th, forty-eight British ships appeared along the shoreline, carrying 2,000 sailors and marines and The British Library, London: Home to an extensive collection of original documents, including letters, maps, and papers from the period, the British Library provides invaluable resources for anyone researching the American War of Independence. Explore some of the world's most significant books, maps and manuscripts, discover artworks on display throughout our building in London St Pancras and access behind-the-scenes content with the free British Library Bloomberg Connects digital guide. The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed on parchment and on August 2, 1776, delegates began signing it. The Story of the Fourth of July The Declaration of Independence We celebrate American Independence Day on the Fourth of July every year. We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. But July 4, 1776 wasn't the day that the Continental Congress decided to declare independence (they did On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. The Constitution provides the legal and governmental framework for the United States.
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