The fourth of July is the Independence Day of the United States of America. It commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the US on July 4, 1776. The federal holiday witnesses large scale celebrations with fireworks, various ceremonies, political speeches, games, picnics, parades, family reunions and much more. Various private and public events highlighting the history of the country and its traditions are held on the American Independence Day. On this National Day, Americans around the world observe the day with great pomp and fervour. 2019 fourth of July celebrations with witness large scale celebrations in the country. Best Fourth of July 2019 Fireworks in US: 6 Places Across USA to Watch Colourful Display of Firecrackers on America's Independence Day.

British Rule And American War of Independence

Going back to the start, Christopher Columbus found the modern day America in 1492 which was under European rule. Most of the North and South Americans were then ruled by Spanish, Egnlish, French, Portuguese and Dutch governments. In 1606, King James I established permanent settlements in the Americas and formed Colony and Dominion of Virginia the following year. During which the Dutch, Swedish and French establish North American colonies which gradually came under the British rule.

American Independence Day celebrations (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

They then began exporting resources from these colonies and trade grew. As the British empire flourished, the American Revolution sprouted in the 18th century leading towards including the Seven Years War. Following the war, friction continued between the Patriots and Britishers. In 1775, the Thirteen Colonies declared a war of independence against them. On July 4th 1776, the thirteen colonies which were at war with the British rule declared that they considered themselves as an independent. Fourth of July Recipes 2019: From Cake Pops to Patriotic Fruit Pizza Here Are Easy Dishes You Can Try at Home This Us Independence Day.

History and Significance of American Independence Day

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies will no longer be subjects to the British monarchy and were now united, free, and independent states. While, the Congress had voted to declare independence two days earlier, on July 2, it was declared only on July 4.

Fireworks during fourth of July celebrations in the United States (Photo Credits: Getty Images)

The colonies which were already revolting against the British authority for a year when they convened a Continental Congress in Philadephia in 1176. During a session held on June 7 in the Pennsylvania State House, Richard Henry Lee, an American statesman and Founding Father from Virginia, presented a resolution with the famous words: 'Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.' Fourth of July Quotes: Inspirational Sayings by Great Leaders on American Independence Day 2019 for Your Inner Patriot.

It came to be known as the Lee Resolution, and played the catalyst for the drafting of a formal Declaration of Independence. While, it was not readily accepted, a Committee of Five was appointed to present a statement to the world for the colonies, asking for independence. Members of the Committee included John Adams of Massachusetts; Roger Sherman of Connecticut; Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania; Robert R. Livingston of New York; and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia.

The Continental Congress reconvened and on July 1, 1776, and on the following day, the Lee Resolution for independence was adopted by 12 of the 13 colonies with New York not voting. Thereafter, few changes were made in the Declaration and in the late afternoon of July, it was officially adopted. Nine colonies out of the 13 voted in favour of the Declaration, Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted 'No', Delaware was undecided while New York abstained.

John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence. It is said that John Hancock's signed his name "with a great flourish" so England's "King George can read that without spectacles!" The original copy of the Declaration is today kept in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Hence, July 4 has been designated as a national holiday to commemorate the day when the United States put forwards its claim to be a free and independent nation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 03, 2019 11:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).