In the late 1700's America was comprised of 13 British colonies
that had been founded between 1607 and 1732. Americans had reached the limits
of tolerance with British rule and taxation without American representation, so
they did something about it.
On Sept. 5, 1774, they established the Continental Congress. On that day delegates from each of the colonies met in Philadelphia as the First Continental Congress to organize colonial resistance to Parliament's Coercive Acts, a series of measures imposed by the British government on the colonies in response to their resistance to new taxes.
To say the British were none too happy about the meeting would be an understatement. They would become even less jovial in April 1775. That is when the Continental Congress formally began the American Revolution.
Many Americans today are of the opinion that the American Revolution did not begin until the Declaration of Independence was signed. That assumption is wrong. The Continental Congress did not formally declare independence from Britain until July 2, 1776. According to reliable historians, Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft in June 1776. And he did not write it alone. The Continental Congress appointed a five-person group to write it. The group included Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman. Though Jefferson wrote the first draft, it was changed 86 times by other members of the committee and the Continental Congress.
On Sept. 5, 1774, they established the Continental Congress. On that day delegates from each of the colonies met in Philadelphia as the First Continental Congress to organize colonial resistance to Parliament's Coercive Acts, a series of measures imposed by the British government on the colonies in response to their resistance to new taxes.
To say the British were none too happy about the meeting would be an understatement. They would become even less jovial in April 1775. That is when the Continental Congress formally began the American Revolution.
Many Americans today are of the opinion that the American Revolution did not begin until the Declaration of Independence was signed. That assumption is wrong. The Continental Congress did not formally declare independence from Britain until July 2, 1776. According to reliable historians, Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft in June 1776. And he did not write it alone. The Continental Congress appointed a five-person group to write it. The group included Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman. Though Jefferson wrote the first draft, it was changed 86 times by other members of the committee and the Continental Congress.
This being the case, why do we celebrate Independence Day on July
4th rather than July 2nd? The reason is understandable enough, July 2nd was
the day that the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. On July 4th,
after two days of discussion and debate, they agreed on the final wording of
the Declaration of Independence. That is why today we celebrate American
independence on the 4th of July.
Did this brief history account leave the reader walking in the
muddy waters of a bygone era? Well, there should be no confusion around one
point: The purpose of Independence Day is to remember our unique origin and
history - to understand why America has prospered beyond anyone's remotest
dreams.
Has not America become a home of liberty and opportunity for numerous people from all over the world because of the ideas envisioned by our Founding Fathers? Furthermore, why did our founders ideas work? Do you suppose it is because they were based on enduring values or principles, which recognized human imperfection and the need to structure a limited government of laws, dependent upon the consent of a people who, themselves, understood the principles?
Has not America become a home of liberty and opportunity for numerous people from all over the world because of the ideas envisioned by our Founding Fathers? Furthermore, why did our founders ideas work? Do you suppose it is because they were based on enduring values or principles, which recognized human imperfection and the need to structure a limited government of laws, dependent upon the consent of a people who, themselves, understood the principles?
Regretfully, as time passes, fewer Americans understand those principles? Is this not an unfortunate reality or truth? Unquestionably it is. That's why the 4th of July is a great day to help all generations understand how our constitutional republic works - because that will be the only way, warned Benjamin Franklin, “that we will keep it."
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