Independence Day

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Introduction & Top Questions References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

Five surprising facts about the Fourth of July

John Trumbull's depiction of July 4, 1776

Learn about how the Independence Day holiday came to be

The chemistry behind fireworks explained

Delving deeper into the Declaration of Independence

For Students

Independence Day summary

Independence Day

Q: When is Independence Day in the United States?

Independence Day is celebrated in the United States on July 4. Often the holiday is called the Fourth of July.

Q: What is the Fourth of July?

The Fourth of July celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration announced the political separation of the 13 North American colonies from Great Britain.

Q: Why is the Fourth of July celebrated with fireworks?

In Fourth of July celebrations, fireworks signify national pride and patriotism. They had been used in China since at least the 12th century, and in the 15th century they became popular with European monarchs as a way to celebrate national triumphs, the restoration of peace, and the monarchs’ own birthdays. Fireworks have been part of Independence Day in the United States since its first celebration, in 1777.

Q: Why did the North American colonies declare independence?

The Declaration of Independence , passed on July 4, 1776, reflected widespread dissatisfaction in the colonies with increased British control. Colonists especially opposed a series of unpopular laws and taxes enacted by Britain beginning in 1764, including the Sugar Act , the Stamp Act , and the so-called Intolerable Acts .

Q: Should election day be made a national holiday like Independence Day?

Whether election day should be made a national holiday like Independence Day is debated. Some say a holiday would increase voter turnout by enabling more people to vote while celebrating democracy. Others say a holiday would disadvantage low-income and blue collar workers and corporations should have better policies for voting time off. For more on the debate about making election day a national holiday, visit ProCon.org .

United States holiday

Also known as: Fourth of July

Written by David L. Waldstreicher

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Mar 8, 2024 • Article History

John Trumbull's depiction of July 4, 1776

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Category: History & Society

Also called:: Fourth of July or July 4th

Related Topics:: holiday; July

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When is Independence Day in the United States?

What is the Fourth of July?

Why is the Fourth of July celebrated with fireworks?

Why did the North American colonies declare independence?

Should election day be made a national holiday like Independence Day?

Independence Day, in the United States, the annual celebration of nationhood. It commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Congress had voted in favour of independence from Great Britain on July 2 but did not actually complete the process of revising the Declaration of Independence, originally drafted by Thomas Jefferson in consultation with fellow committee members John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and William Livingston, until two days later. The celebration was initially modeled on that of the king’s birthday, which had been marked annually by bell ringing, bonfires, solemn ...(100 of 606 words)

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