Independence Day in the United States: Why it is celebrated on July 4th

Every July 4th , the United States commemorates the founding milestone in its history and the feat that gave rise to its sovereignty: the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The day, considered the most emblematic of its patriotic calendar, colors the country from coast to coast with the colors of its flag in a celebration that unites millions of citizens .

The territory now known as the United States was formed in the 18th century by 13 colonies under British rule, which sought political independence from the English crown.

According to National Geographic , the American Revolution, a long armed conflict between the 13 colonies and the British, took place between 1775 and 1783, after almost a decade of estrangement between the European crown and the residents of the so-called "New World."

Great Britain wanted to take greater control over decisions in the colonies, while ignoring the colonists' needs and demands for greater representation in local government.

The uprising began with the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, which escalated to the intervention of the Continental Army and the forces of the English crown. Three years later, the revolution grew even further: it evolved from a war against the British Empire to an international confrontation, when France and Spain joined in the struggle for the colonies.

After several years of fighting, according to Britannica , the Revolutionary War reached its peak with the final surrender of Great Britain at Yorktown in 1781, which is now the state of Virginia.

The defeat of the English led to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 , in which they recognized the United States of America as an independent nation.

The official website of the United States government reports that on July 4, 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence, which recognized them as a free country.

Years before the British crown recognized the freedom of the United States as a country, the 13 colonies established themselves as an autonomous nation in the Declaration of Independence, the publication adds.

Since June 11, 1776, members of the North American Continental Congress representing the colonies prepared a document justifying their reason for wanting to become independent, with Thomas Jefferson , representing Virginia, as the main author.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, drafted by Jefferson with the collaboration of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston .

The Declaration of Independence was also voted on (on July 4th) and signed by all 56 members of Congress at the Pennsylvania State House (where Independence Hall stands today) in Philadelphia.

According to the United States Government, Independence Day was ratified on June 28, 1870 , when Congress declared July 4 a federal holiday.

When the date falls on a Saturday, the holiday is observed on Friday, and if it falls on a Sunday, it is moved to Monday. Government offices, banks, and some private sector services and businesses are closed on official holidays.

Independence Day is traditionally celebrated with activities such as fireworks , ceremonies, speeches, parades, and concerts, among others.