What was independence day

As a result, the Revolutionary War between the colonists and Great Britain began in The colonists decided they needed to declare their independence in writing to explain their reasons and gain support from other countries like France. On July 4, , a small group of representatives from the colonies—called the Continental Congress—adopted the Declaration of Independence. Written by a committee led by Thomas Jefferson , the document was signed by people from all 13 colonies.

So the colonists continued to fight for independence until they finally defeated Great Britain in The second sentence says it all: that all people are created equally and have rights that include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Fun fact: Jefferson, who would become the third U.

Today the United States and Great Britain are friends. Most Americans still celebrate Independence Day, often with parades and fireworks. Historians think this is thanks to a letter written by John Adams, who helped write the declaration and would also go on to be the second U. It's no wonder that this holiday has turned out to be such a blast! Here's a look at Philadelphia's annual Independence Day decorated bicycle parade.

Looks fun! It is traditional for families and friends to get together to celebrate Independence Day. What is the story of America's Independence Day? The signing of the document - once it had been declared - actually took place over a series of months. This picture shows delegates to the Second Continental Congress signing the Declaration of Independence in August of that year.

The Fourth of July is celebrated is the birth date of the United States as we know it today. More like this. Take a tour of a US high school 5 Nov 5 November America vs Food - a Newsround special 25 Mar 25 March Your Comments Join the conversation.

To use comments you will need to have JavaScript enabled. Hufflepuff4life 5 Jul It was my friends birthday on that day. Mermaid of books 4 Jul I forgot it was today. Back to top. Top Stories. Observations throughout the nation became even more common at the end of the War of with Great Britain.

Weightman, declining an invitation to come to Washington, D. It was the last letter that Jefferson, who was gravely ill, ever wrote. In it, Jefferson says of the document:. That form, which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion.