In the US, the Fourth of July is one of the biggest holidays. It is known as Independence Day, the day America declared independence from England and specifically from the rule of George III.
The day is often marked with outdoor barbecues, flag waving, and fireworks. It is a US Federal Holiday and the biggest of the summer.
However, it is also filled with myth. That is, a great deal that Americans believe about Independence Day are just not true, though they are often stated as facts.
Which of the following truths did you honestly know?
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Question of
The Fourth of July, 1776, wasn’t when the Declaration of Independence was signed and the date observed is incorrect, too. The Continental Congress made the initial resolution to declare independence on the second of July. This is what we Americans celebrate on July 4, two days later than the event. In fact, most of the colonists didn’t even know about the resolution to declare independence even on July 4. The official announcement regarding the declaration was released on July 8. Did you know this?
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No
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Question of
Of the 56 people who signed the Declaration of Independence, 49 of them signed the document on August 2, 1776. Only two men, July 4 was the agreed upon date that copies of the Declaration of Independence would be passed out, all bearing the date of July 4, 1776. Because of this, we celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth of July. Did you know this?
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No
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Question of
The colonies didn’t arbitrarily decide to declare independence from England and it was actually a result of the struggle for power between France and England. England won that war, but in so doing, King George ran low on funds. Because of this, he greatly increased the taxes on the colonies, though the taxes were already high. The revolution occurred in large part because of the increase in taxes, a case of a tax increase starting a war, but it may not have happened had France and England not warred with each other. This is also why the colonies received support from France, through Canada, during the revolution. It was a way for the French to strike back at England, whom they’d lost to. Did you know this?
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No
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Question of
Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, signers of the Declaration of Independence, died on July 4, 1826, just hours apart. If you look at that date, it happens to be exactly 50 years after July 4, 1776, the day we celebrate. Five years later, in 1831, James Monroe also died on July 4. Did you know this?
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Question of
July 4 became an official holiday in 1870, with a bill of Congress. The bill actually wasn’t aimed at recogizing Independence day, but rather to recognize other holidays, such as Christmas. Did you know this?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
The US Independence Day is important to China, too. Nearly 90% of US flags and about 97% of fireworks that are used in Fourth of July celebrations are made in China. Did you know this?
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Such interesting facts! Happy 4th!
I hope that you have a really good one as well!
I guess I didn’t know as many details as I thought, so I learned a few things.
That is a really good thing. The surprising thing is that this is seldom taught in school. It is an important chapter in American history, yet it is glossed over, for the most part. I learned almost all of this *after* I got out of school.
I also learned most of my American history long after I left school.
Learned a lot more about this important day of celebration. Happy 4th!
I’m glad to hear it! Happy 4th to you too!
nice post thank you very much
You’re very welcome and thank you!
Great lesson from history. Happy holiday.
Happy holiday to you, too, and thank you.
Lots of interesting facts here, most of what I did not know.
Happy 4th of July a few days early Rex!
Happy fourth to you, too!