July 4: What Happened Today In History

Independence Day – U. S.

On this day in 1776, the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain by signing the Declaration of Independence.

Actually, history is a messy subject because sometimes differing stories cast doubt on what really happened, and exactly when it happened. John Adams wrote to his wife that July 2nd would always be remembered because that was the date that the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. But the date on the Declaration was July 4th, so that is the date that has always been celebrated, from 1777 on. Also, although Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin all later wrote that they signed the Declaration on July 4th, historical evidence actually suggests that the signing occurred on August 2nd.

At any rate, the Fourth is celebrated in the U.S. with family get-togethers, parades, speeches, and fireworks.

Did you know…?

The only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence and then later served as Presidents, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4, 1826, which was the 50th anniversary of the alleged signing of the Declaration. Weird, huh?

Celebrate!

If you live in the U.S., try some of these party ideas to make your Fourth spectacular.
Make a fireworks picture using glitter on black construction paper. Find the instructions here.

If you’re in the mood for patriotic games and puzzles, find some here.