We the Individuals have fun July 4th, 2021
We, the people, are all created equal. This is the American dream. The first problem the US faced was taxation without representation.
- “Taxation without representation!” Was the battle cry in America’s 13 colonies, which were forced to give the English King George III. Paying taxes even though they were not represented in the UK Parliament. As discontent grew, British troops were dispatched to quell the early movement to rebellion. Repeated attempts by the colonists to solve the crisis without military conflict were unsuccessful.
- On June 11, 1776, the Second Continental Congress of the Colonies met in Philadelphia and formed a committee with the express purpose of drafting a document that would formally sever their ties with Great Britain.
- The committee included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. Considered the strongest and most eloquent writer, Jefferson penned the original draft of the document (as seen above). A total of 86 changes were made to its design and the Continental Congress officially adopted the final version on July 4, 1776.
Copies of the Declaration of Independence were distributed the next day, and on July 6, The Pennsylvania Evening Post became the first newspaper to print the extraordinary document. The Declaration of Independence has since become our nation’s most cherished symbol of freedom.
On July 8, 1776, the first public readings of the Declaration took place in Independence Square, Philadelphia, to ringing bells and band music. A year later, on July 4, 1777, Philadelphia celebrated Independence Day by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells, and fireworks.
