Independence Day

Happy Independence Day everyone! Another splendid holiday has just passed us by, and I thought that it would be a good idea to write a post about the historical meaning behind Independence Day.

A lot of people that celebrate this day of memorial will get too focused on the fireworks and parties that happen on Independence Day, and they will sometimes forget the actual meaning of this holiday. So, what is the true meaning of Independence Day?     

For many years, during the 1700’s King George, of England ruled over America with a firm hand. George ruled in an unjust and tyrannical manner, not letting the Americans have a say in government matters. 

 Up until then, the Americans had put their foot down in some ways, like the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, the Sugar Act, the Currency Act, the list goes on. Even though the war had not begun yet, there was still some fights like the Battle of Bunker Hill.
On March 23rd, 1775, Patrick Henry published his speech named, "Give me Liberty, or Give me Death."
When the Americans decided that they had had enough of England's rule over them, a man named Thomas Jefferson (with the help of several others) wrote a paper that declared that England was treating them with the utmost incivility, and cruelness of spirit, and they would rebel if necessary.
This paper was named the Declaration of Independence, and signed by 56 Americans who yearned for freedom. The Declaration was adopted on July 2nd, 1776.
The war technically started in 1775, and Col. George Washington was the chosen general of the army. Washington led his men with strength and zeal
The well-known wintry encampment at Valley Forge showed the strength, and integrity of Washington's army. The battalion reached Valley Forge Dec. 19, 1777, and camped there under the tightest of rations, and the coldest of weather. The winter was bitterly cold, and food was scarce. Starvation seized the camps, and 2,000 of Washington's soldiers died at that place, but the remaining soldiers kept pushing through.
After many years of fighting with the English, on Sept 3rd, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, and ended the Revolutionary War. America gained liberty, and it was once more a peaceful country again.
On Sept. 17th,1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed, and America established a republic. 

Unlike England, America was a democracy, and she elected George Washington to be the first president. Washington was a president for four whole years, and then was elected once more to be the president yet, again. After serving for eight years Washington went back to his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia. 

So, as you can see, Independence Day is a very historical holiday and it can be very meaningful if you remember the true and right meaning of it.