US INDEPENDENCE DAY, WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON 4 JULY 1776

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON 4 JULY 1776:

4 July 1776, the day on which, the present United States of America got independence from the British rule. Can you imagine a superpower country being a slave? Yes, it was, under the control of the British rule. This year, it will be celebrating its 249th independence year marking the founding of the USA. On this day, a federal holiday is celebrated every year. Just like India, various performances are presented including parades, fireworks, Carnivals depicting the culture of the country, fairs, and obviously speeches by leaders and various other ceremonies, to commemorate this day. Being independent and forming your own nation with your own ideas and living freely in your fatherland without any unreasonable restriction and protected by a package of rights, is the most outstanding feeling for any citizen. And this was the same feeling that all USA citizens were experiencing on 4th July 1776. But do you know what actually happened on 4th July, 1776?

Worsening Conditions – way to Independence

The colonies of North America found themselves at odds with British imperial policies on frontier policy and taxes, more and more during the period of 1760s and 1770s. In order to organize a colonial boycott of British goods, the colonial government sent delegates to a Continental Congress after repeated protests failed to change British policies that led to the closing of Boston Port and imposition of Martial law in Massachusetts.

The Continental Congress started working with local committees, which had been established to support trade boycotts, to continue actions against British rule after fighting broke out between American colonists and British forces in Massachusetts. Despite continued loyalty to the Crown in some areas, British Officials encountered growing opposition throughout the colonies as unofficial local governments gained more power.

On the other hand, the most radical members of Congress were reluctant to proclaim Independence, and colonial officials wanted to make amends with the British government in spite of these developments. Benjamin Franklin, who was a member of the Secret Committee of Correspondence at the time, did, however, imply to French operatives and other European Sympathizers in late 1775 that the colonies were inclined to pursue independence

Independence in Motion

The Continental Congress members began to believe that Independence was their only option and that a reconciliation with Britain was unlikely during the winter of 1775-1776. Congress took a significant step toward cutting connections with Britain in April 1776 when it opened colonial ports in response to the British Parliament’s ban on trade with the colonies. The January release of Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense, which promoted colonial independence and was extensively disseminated across the colonies, benefited the colonists. The Model Treaty, which would form the foundation of the 1778 alliance with France, was being drafted by colonial authorities by February 1776 as they discussed the idea of forming foreign alliances.

Before putting the subject to a vote, leaders in the fight for independence wanted to be sure they had enough support from congress. Richard Henry lee presented a proposal to declare independence to congress on June 7, 1776. Although they believed some colonies were not yet ready, other members of congress were receptive. Nonetheless, a committee was established by congress to compose a declaration of independence, and Thomas Jefferson was given this responsibility.

Drafting of Declaration

A committee was formed to draft the declaration and the congress approved the final version of the Declaration of Independence on July 4 after the committee delivered it to them on June 28, 1776.

Independence of 13 colonies from British rule

Earlier America was a country with 13 colonies which were: New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island and providence, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. On 4th July, 1776, the second continental congress, met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formally adopted the Declaration of Independence which talked about the independence of the 13 colonies of America from British rule. Most of the delegates signed this declaration on 2nd July, 1776 but it was officially approved on 4th July, 1776. It was said that when declaration was made, no one signed this whereas The Congress Signed the Lee Resolution on 2nd July. This resolution stated three plans to be undertaken which were:

• Independence from the British Rule.

• A call to form alliances.

• A plan for confederation.

But later on The Declaration of Independence was approved by all and the way for Independence became clear and obvious.

Conclusion

One of the pivotal moments in American and global history was the events of July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence, which boldly declared the thirteen American colonies independent from the British Control. In addition to marking the founding of the United States of America, this proclamation established the fundamental principles of liberty, equality, and self- governance. The bravery and foresight displayed on that day to continue to inspire democratic movements worldwide, despite the fact that independence was not entirely attained overnight. In the US, July 4th continues to be a potent emblem of liberty and patriotism.