The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a major annual celebration and national holiday in the USA.
Commemorates the announcement of independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.
Historical Context
The USA was under British rule since the 1600s with 13 colonies:
Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia.
Unrest grew due to taxes and perceived inferior treatment.
Declaration of Independence led by Thomas Jefferson (later the third U.S. president).
Written and presented on July 2, 1776, and officially announced on July 4, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence
Safeguarded at the National Archives in Washington D.C.
Famous line: "all men are created equally" and "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Often quoted by Americans during celebrations.
Celebrations and Traditions
Nationwide patriotic celebrations include:
Outdoor gatherings due to favorable weather.
Picnics, barbecues, house parties.
Parades with red, white, and blue attire.
Singing of the national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.
Fireworks displays, notably the largest in New York City sponsored by Macy's.
Food and Beverages
Popular foods: chips, dips, burgers, hot dogs, fries.
Beverages: beer is commonly consumed.
Statistics:
74 million Americans barbecue.
150 million hot dogs and 63 million cases of beer consumed over the weekend.
Over $7 billion spent on food in 2021 for the holiday.
Significance
Among the most celebrated occasions in the US, alongside Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Super Bowl.
Around 85% of Americans plan to celebrate Independence Day.