History Corner
Rem em bering
Independence
Day
By: Rebekah V.
Fireworks are booming and grills are
sizzling. People are gathered around to
celebrate a monumental moment that
made a great impact on the history of the
United States. Last month, we observed the
Fourth of July. All around the United States,
people gathered together to remember
what occurred many years ago: the
freedom that was given to America.
An article from History.com called ?U.S.
Declares Independence? says that during
the American Revolution in the 18th
century, hatred and opposition grew for
Great Britain during the battles, especially
after the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Tea Act
of 1773. It explains that in January of 1776,
Thomas Paine wrote a political pamphlet
called "Common Sense" that greatly
encouraged and argued for American
independence. More than 500,000 copies
were sold and the desire for independence
grew in the hearts of the Americans.
Another article called, ?The History of the
Fourth of July? from History.com, explains
that after years of heavy taxation and
frustration, the delegates from the 13
colonies wanted to declare freedom from
Great Britain. Thus, the Declaration of
Independence was written. It summarized
the colonist?s reasons for wanting
independence and after voting in favor, the
Continental Congress adopted it. Some of
history?s great men, including Thomas
Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John
Adams, took part in writing the document.
Ever since that year of 1776, the United
States has celebrated the freedom it
proclaimed from Great Britain through
many different activities. Some activities
include family gatherings, cookouts,
parades, and the ever famous,
fireworks.